Bill Self found it absurd that there were discussions about the Gonzaga Bulldogs not securing a spot in the 2024 NCAA Tournament at one stage this season.
In less than 24 hours after expressing his disbelief, the Zags (26-7, 14-2 WCC) vindicated Kansas’ head coach by defeating his team convincingly.
Led by Anton Watson’s impressive 21-point performance, the fifth-seeded Gonzaga squad overwhelmed the fourth-seeded Jayhawks with an 89-68 victory, securing their spot in the Sweet 16 for the ninth consecutive postseason.
This streak stands as the longest active streak in the country, second only to North Carolina’s 13 straight appearances from 1981-1993.
Gonzaga coach Mark Few expressed his awe, stating, “It’s incredible… What these guys have been able to do, especially in lieu of where we were earlier in the year. All the ones that came before them that set this thing up, it’s a testament to all the great players that came through this program.”
