CBB: Gonzaga is a Final Four lock
1. Gonzaga Bulldogs (20-1): The Bulldogs have been absolutely mowing over their opponents as they’ve won four straight by 23+ points including victories over San Diego (94-50), Santa Clara (104-54), and BYU (92-69). The WCC had 30% of their teams receive votes in the most recent AP poll (that’s higher than the ACC). Gonzaga can win it all with guys like Killian Tillie (12.7 points, 5.1 rebounds per game) and Joel Ayayi. The Zags get Pacific next.
2. Auburn Tigers (16-2): The Tigers are no longer uneaten. We know, they lost two straight games and we still have them ranked this high? Yes. Despite the losses, we believe in Samir Doughty (14.6 points, 3.6 rebounds per game). It’s hard to win on the road in conference play and two losses isn't the end of the world. They still have recent wins over Vanderbilt (83-79), Georgia (82-60), and South Carolina (80-67) before hosting Iowa State at home.
3. Louisville Cardinals (16-3): The Cardinals might have the best win of anyone in recent memory as they took down Duke (79-73) on the road on Saturday, Jan. 18. Louisville has won five in a row now including the aforementioned Duke victory and wins over Miami (74-58) and Pittsburgh (73-68). The Cardinals are led by NCAA Player of the Year candidate Jordan Nwora (19.6 points, 7.4 rebounds per game). Louisville hosts Clemson on Saturday afternoon.
4. Duke Blue Devils (16-3): The Blue Devils looked as though they had their issues figured out until they ran into Clemson and Louisville, losing two straight for the first time all year. With that said, though, Duke is still arguably the most talented team in the country and it showed in their win over Miami (89-59). They also have recent convincing wins over Georgia Tech (73-64) and Wake Forest (90-59) as Tre Jones (14.9 points, 6.8 assists) leads the team.
5. Kansas Jayhawks (15-3): The Jayhawks have won three straight games over Oklahoma (66-52), Texas (66-57), and Kansas State (81-60). Even with the brawl following the win over the Wildcats, Kansas should be able to compete for a Big 12 title barring any major injury or suspension. Devon Dotson (18.2 points, 4.2 assists per game) runs the show on this team and as he goes, they go. Kansas welcomes Tennessee in the Big 12-SEC Challenge on Saturday, Jan. 25.
Final Four projections:
West: Gonzaga
Midwest: Kansas
East: Duke
South: Seton Hall
Photo Credit: The Spokesman-Review.
