Thursday’s action in the NCAA Tournament was highlighted by March Madness upsets, as both Gonzaga and Wichita State handled their business against No. 6 seeds, beating Seton Hall and Arizona respectively.
Of course, neither Gonzaga nor Wichita State is a typical No. 11 seed. Both spent ample time in the AP Top 25 poll throughout the season and both have been in these moments before to one extent or another. Both also had preseason National Player of the Year candidates, with Kyle Wiltjer and Fred Van Vleet.
For the Bulldogs and head coach Mark Few though, it was sophomore Domantas Sabonis who carried them offensively, dropping 21 points and 16 rebounds. The Zags held Isaiah Whitehead to a miserable 4-for-24 shooting performance, including an NCAA Tournament record 0-for-10 from deep. Wichita State wasn’t explosive offensively, sure, but they were menaces defensively, particularly Van Vleet, in the 65-55 win. Van Vleet had 16 points, five steals, and four rebounds.
Awaiting Gonzaga is No. 3 seed Utah, where the Zags will be tasked with slowing down Pac-12 Player of the Year and projected lottery pick, Jakob Poeltl. For Wichita State, it’s No. 3 seed Miami (FL) and their explosive guard tandem of Angel Rodriguez and Sheldon McClellan.
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