Gonzaga guard Jalen Suggs (1) celebrates after making a basket during the second half of the championship game against Baylor in the men's Final Four NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, April 5, 2021, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Close, But No Cigar for Gonzaga

Gonzaga. So close.

The Bulldogs were one win away from joining the likes of UCLA, North Carolina, San Francisco and Indiana.

On the cusp of history and perfection, the Bulldogs fell just short.

Strong Start to the Season

The Dogs started off the season strong, defeating Kansas 102-90 and Auburn 90-67 in the Fort Meyers Tipoff.

Other notable victories include wins over ranked opponents Virginia and Iowa.

Things looked great for the Dogs, but two positive COVID tests forced the team to suspend operations in December of 2020.

Drew Timme blocking

Baylor guard Jared Butler shoots over Gonzaga forward Drew Timme (2) during the second half of the championship game in the men’s Final Four NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, April 5, 2021, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Pack Leaders

Forwards Drew Timme and Corey Kispert lead Gonzaga in scoring. The two averaged 19 and 18.6 points per game respectively.

Freshman guard Jalen Suggs was also a force to be reckoned with, averaging 14 points in 30 games played.

Proud Off the Court

Gonzaga Head coach Mark Few praised the team for being easy to coach. He also was happy with how COVID was dealt with by the team.

Suggs, who had not yet lost a game of college hoops, was emotional after the Championship loss to Baylor.

“I think in his mind, he saw us cutting down the nets at the end of this,” said Few.

As time goes by, said Few, Suggs will get a better perspective on things and realize the impact he had on the team.

Canceled vs Baylor; What Could Have Been

Ultimately, Gonzaga fell to the Baylor Bears in the Championship game, losing 86-70.

Scheduled for Dec. 5, 2020, the would-be finalists of the NCAA Tournament were supposed to meet before the post-season. If played, would Baylor have beaten Gonzaga? If Baylor prevailed in the hypothetical game, would Gonzaga have kept up the momentum the took them to the Finals?

https://twitter.com/ZagMBB/status/1379295369591394304

About Matthew Bell

Matthew Bell is a senior at the University of Florida. He completed his associates degree at State College of Florida in Bradenton and transferred to UF in 2019. His favorite sports are American football and baseball. Matthew also contributes to The Point Podcast and provides local hourly news for All Things Considered.

Check Also

Orange & Blue Sports Network

Catch the student-led broadcasts from the College of Journalism and Communications right here.

LIVE THREAD: National Signing Day

Here’s an updated thread of all the recruits who picked the Gator hat today! RB …

AFC Divisional Round Preview: Pittsburgh Steelers

During last weekend’s NFL Wild Card round, the Steelers made a statement by handing the Dolphins a …

Houston Looking For an Upset in Foxborough

The saying has always been “it’s hard to beat a good team twice,” and in …

Blue Jackets vs. Lightning Tonight

The Columbus Blue Jackets and the Tampa Bay Lightning will be facing each other once …

Possible Additions to McElwain’s Recruiting Class Visiting this Weekend

With National Signing Day less than three weeks away, the Gators are hosting several talented …

Florida Gymnastics Prepares for Season Opener

GAINESVILLE, FL – The Florida Gator gymnastics team will kick off their season this Sunday …

Surprised Gators Promote Randy Shannon To Defensive Coordinator? You Shouldn’t Be

Florida’s head coach, Jim McElwain, announced Friday morning that Randy Shannon would be making the …

Quarterbacks in Spotlight for NFL Wild Card Weekend

The NFL Wild Card kicks off Saturday and the quarterback situations could not be any more different. On …

College Football Playoff Shakes Up Schedule

The College Football Playoff was a success in its first year. Yet, that doesn’t stop …

Michael Jordan Speaks out about Shootings, Police Officers

NBA great Michael Jordan opened up about his thoughts about shootings of African-Americans and the …

Treon Harris to Transfer

With the college football season approaching, the Florida Gators have announced that former starting QB …

USA Basketball Wins Second Exhibition Game

Just a few short days after their big win over Argentina, team USA won its …

Charlotte Is No Longer The Home Of The 2017 NBA All-Star Game

The House Bill 2 came between Charlotte, North Carolina and the 2017 All-Star Game. The …

Tampa Bay Rays Continue Series Against Oakland

The Tampa Bay Rays are continuing their three-game winning streak. The Rays defeated the Oakland …

MLB Preview Tonight

It’s summer time—the best time to go to a baseball game and experience the atmosphere. …

Braves Begin Series With Rockies

The Atlanta Braves (33-62) open up a four-game road series with the Rockies (43-51) tonight …

Marlins To Close Out Series With The Phillies

The Miami Marlins are in the middle of a crucial ten game span against NL East …

Rays Crush Rockies 11-3, Face A’s Next

In the midst of a terrible season that has seen the Tampa Bay Rays (37-57) …

American League Second Half Outlook

The second half of the baseball season is in full swing which translates to? Pennant races. Teams …

National League Evening Preview

Tonight is a busy night for the National League in the MLB. Starting with the …

Big 12 Looks To Expand

Following a Tuesday meeting between Big 12 presidents, Oklahoma president David Boren announced that the …

LSU Looks To Capitalize On Its Opportunity

The Louisiana State University Tigers will enter the 2016 college football season with high expectations, …

Muschamp Helps Close Out SEC Media Days 2016

It wasn’t Will Muschamps first SEC Media Days experience, but 2016 marked the first time …

Phil Mickelson Leads British Open After First Day

The 145th annual 2016 British Open is underway at Royal Troon Golf Club in Scotland. The …

Missouri’s Football Crisis: Rebuilding A Program

On the final day of SEC Media Days, Barry Odom took the stand as Missouri’s head …

Second Half Of MLB Season Begins

The All-Star Break is a good time for teams to rest up and reform themselves …

British Open Underway

The 145th Open Championship is already underway at the Royal Troon Golf Club in Scotland. Welcome …

Gators Out-Duel at FSU Relays, Land on NCAA List

The Florida Gators out-dueled at the FSU relays to land on the NCAA list, courtesy …