The Baylor Bears defeated the Gonzaga Bulldogs to win their first men's basketball national championship in school history. The Bears defeated the previously unbeaten Bulldogs, who were on the brink of becoming the first undefeated national champion since the 1976 Indiana Hoosiers.
Gonzaga was impressive all season long, entering the tournament with a 26-0 record after dominating teams in and out of conference play. The Bulldogs were led by an impressive group of talented players including future top five pick Jalen Suggs, Drew Timme, and Corey Kispert. Despite the Zags undeniable firepower, they were bested on the day by a lights-out Baylor performance.
The Bears also boasted an impressive roster of talented players, namely Jared Butler, Davion Mitchell, and Mark Vital. Baylor’s defensive intensity took Gonzaga out of its offensive rhythm, and white hot three point shooting allowed the Bears take a commanding lead that they held till the end of the game. Baylor ultimately prevailed 86-70, ending Gonzaga’s perfect season and reestablishing the Bears as one of college basketball’s best programs.
Butler led the way for Baylor against Gonzaga, putting up an impressive statline of 22 points and 7 assists, including a wicked 4-9 from deep. MaCio Teague was also critical, adding 19 points with 2 threes made.
On the losing side, Jalen Suggs added a good performance despite the loss, leading the Zags with 22 points. No other Gonzaga player was able to get more than 12 points on the night, only adding to the Bulldogs offensive woes.
Gonzaga and Baylor began the season ranked first and second in the nation, and proved the preliminary rankings right in the end. Both schools host elite basketball programs and will surely continue to dominate in their respective conferences for years to come. They have built strong foundations and have recruited at a high-enough level to sustain what they have established in Spokane and Waco.
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