Two powerhouse schools went head-to-head on April 5 in Indianapolis in the NCAA tournament final. Baylor came out on top against undefeated Gonzaga 86-70 in a dominating performance.
Every year the NCAA championship game comes with a special level of anticipation. With both teams being number one seeds and an early season game cancellation between the two, the basketball world had been waiting for this matchup.
Gonzaga’s road to the championship wasn’t a difficult one, with the team passing Norfolk State, Oklahoma, Creighton and USC, and winning in overtime against UCLA in the final four.
Baylor had dominant performances during all tournament games, getting past Hartford, Wisconsin, Villanova, Arkansas and Houston to advance to the championship game.
With Baylor’s hot start to the final, it was hard for the Zags to come back.
“They came out and they fed off of each other. We got off to a great start and then defensively, we’re pretty good,” said Baylor coach Scott Drew on CBS Sports.
Zags had no answer for Baylor’s intense play on both ends of the floor, and as a result the team never took the lead in the game. Baylor’s variety of guards played a huge role. MaCio Teague and Jared Butler combined for 56 points and 12 assists to help secure the victory.
Gonzaga ended their season with an astonishing 31-1 record and a season that basketball fans will never forget. Baylor ended their season with a 28-2 record and a national championship to go along with it.
