Gonzaga handled everything in its path – ranked opponents, silent arenas, COVID-19 curveballs and the pressure that accompanies an unbeaten record and season-long No. 1 ranking – except for the final exam.
That so much has been achieved at Gonzaga in 23 short years has led to people needing the final stamp now – or to fearing that the door will slam shut any minute when the basketball gods finally figure out what's been going on when they weren't looking.
The name of John Jakus, Gonzaga's former director of operations, came up twice when Scott Drew met with members of the media after Baylor's 86-70 rout of the Bulldogs in the national championship.
Gonzaga’s nightmare scenario started early. Two offensive rebounds and the first of Baylor’s frequent second-chance opportunities on its first possession.
Jalen Suggs and Drew Timme didn't collect the hardware they were chasing in Indianapolis, but Gonzaga's top two players at the 2021 NCAA Tournament still left Lucas Oil Stadium with some recognition.
Jared Butler scored 22 points, Macio Teague had 19 points and Baylor handed Gonzaga its first loss of the season, 86-70, on Monday night in Indianapolis in the championship game of the NCAA Tournament.
