The Gonzaga Bulldogs showcased their dominance with a decisive 107-55 victory over Pepperdine on Saturday.
Head coach Mark Few’s team exhibited exceptional offensive and defensive prowess. They shot an impressive 57% from the field and 46.2% from beyond the arc, setting a new program record with 33 assists. Defensively, the Bulldogs held Pepperdine to just 29.2% shooting, recorded nine steals, and outrebounded their opponents 52-31.
This stellar performance elevated Gonzaga’s profile in national rankings.
Gonzaga, boasting a 20-7 overall record and 11-3 in West Coast Conference play, climbed from No. 14 to No. 10 in the NCAA NET Rankings following this win. The NET Rankings are crucial for NCAA Tournament selection and seeding.
Understanding the NET Rankings
The NET, or NCAA Evaluation Tool, has been in use since 2018. It assesses team performance through game results, strength of schedule, game location, net offensive and defensive efficiency, and the quality of wins and losses.
A key feature of the NET is that it disregards game dates and sequences. Every game, whether early or late in the season, carries equal weight.
Additionally, Gonzaga has faced a more challenging schedule this season compared to last year. They’ve already played 11 opponents ranked within the top 65 of the NET.
A Tougher WCC
The West Coast Conference has strengthened this season with the additions of Oregon State and Washington State, providing Gonzaga with a deeper and more competitive environment. These new team additions contribute to a more robust and intense conference.
These factors have collectively propelled Gonzaga to a top-10 ranking. If they continue to win, their standing could improve further.
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