Leap Year Showdown: Gonzaga and San Francisco Collide
The Chase Center in San Francisco will witness a high-stakes West Coast Conference battle on the unique date of February 29th, 2024. The Gonzaga Bulldogs (22-6, 12-2 WCC), currently in second place, square off against the surging San Francisco Dons (22-7, 11-3 WCC) in a game carrying major implications for both teams’ NCAA Tournament paths.
Gonzaga’s Tournament Stability vs. San Francisco’s Desperation
While Gonzaga is a virtual lock for the NCAA Tournament, a potential late-season stumble could force them to rely on winning the conference tournament. On the other hand, San Francisco, despite their impressive record, finds themselves on the bubble due to their lack of quality wins. A win over Gonzaga would be a massive boost to their resume and potentially secure them an at-large bid.
The Chase Center Stage
San Francisco boasts a formidable 14-1 home record, but the semi-neutral venue of the Chase Center adds a layer of intrigue. The Dons will need to overcome the unfamiliar setting and maintain their composure against a seasoned Gonzaga squad.
Battle for Second Place
Beyond tournament implications, this game is a battle for the crucial second-place position in the WCC. A win for either team could significantly impact their seeding in the conference tournament.
Recent History and Momentum
- The teams met on January 25th, with Gonzaga escaping with a narrow 77-72 away victory.
- San Francisco enters this rematch on a hot streak, winning seven of their last eight games, including a dominant 92-68 victory over Pepperdine.
Key Questions and Prediction
- Can San Francisco’s momentum and desire overcome Gonzaga’s experience?
- Will the Dons finally secure a Quadrant 1 victory to solidify their tournament hopes?
- Can Gonzaga avoid a late-season slip-up and maintain their tournament position?
Our model predicts a hard-fought contest, ultimately favoring Gonzaga with an 88-80 victory. However, San Francisco’s recent surge and desperation could lead to an upset.