PORTLAND - A Closing Chapter for Gonzaga in the WCC
In the wake of a tough 74-68 loss to Texas, Mark Few was reflecting on the end of an era. It wasn't just another 30-win season wrapping up; it was the last game for a core group of six seniors at Gonzaga. The emotions were palpable as Few processed the reality that his team had played its final game as a member of the West Coast Conference before moving to the Pac-12.
“Honestly, the toughest part is not being able to coach these guys anymore,” Few shared. “That’s what hits you first.
The transition to the Pac-12 is still something I haven’t fully wrapped my mind around. Right now, it’s about dealing with the immediate aftermath of the season ending so abruptly.”
Texas Bench Steps Up
A key factor in Gonzaga’s loss was Texas’ bench performance. The Zags, known for their strong bench contributions, were outscored by Texas’ reserves 20-13.
Nic Codie stepped up for the Longhorns, delivering a season-high 12 points, while Chendall Weaver added eight. This unexpected surge from Texas’ bench was pivotal.
“He was ready when we needed him,” Texas coach Sean Miller noted about Codie. “Nic’s journey this season has been about perseverance, and today he showed how far he’s come.”
Gonzaga’s bench, which had been a strength, struggled to replicate its performance from the NCAA opener against Kennesaw State, where they scored 26 points. On Saturday, Tyon Grant-Foster and Davis Fogle were the only bench players to score.
3-Point Woes
Gonzaga’s 3-point shooting struggles were glaring. After a promising performance against Santa Clara in the WCC Tournament, the Zags couldn’t maintain that momentum. They hit just 7 of 34 from beyond the arc across their two NCAA games, a stark contrast to their earlier success.
The Zags’ reliance on inside scoring with players like Graham Ike and Braden Huff was evident, but their 33.3% season average from deep was the lowest under Few. It marked the first time in 27 years that Gonzaga shot below 35% from the 3-point line.
Texas’ Ball Control
Texas’ ability to control the ball was another decisive factor. The Longhorns committed just five turnovers, the fewest Gonzaga forced all season, while also dishing out 20 assists. This efficiency was a game-changer.
“We emphasize limiting turnovers and maximizing assists,” Miller explained. “With 20 assists and just five turnovers, we executed our game plan effectively.”
Gonzaga, despite their 21 assists, couldn’t match Texas’ precision, losing the turnover battle and points off turnovers.
As Gonzaga prepares to transition to the Pac-12, they’ll carry lessons from this season, particularly the importance of bench depth and shooting consistency. The Zags’ journey is far from over, but this chapter closes with valuable insights for the road ahead.