Gonzaga ‘Til Midnight: A Late-Night Tradition
As the clock struck midnight on the East Coast, college basketball enthusiasts who prefer late-night sports found themselves glued to the West Coast Conference (WCC) games, particularly featuring the Gonzaga Bulldogs. For many, the thrilling matchups unfolded after ACC and Big 12 games wrapped up, providing entertainment for night owls and insomniacs alike. This phenomenon, often dubbed ‘Gonzaga ‘Til Midnight’, has become a beloved tradition that recalls the nights of Pac-12 After Dark.
History and Evolution of Gonzaga in the WCC
This late-night spectacle traces its roots back to 2001, when ESPN secured broadcasting rights with the WCC. By that time, Gonzaga had already established a reputation following their Cinderella story in March Madness, famously encapsulating the notion that “the slipper still fits.” Their journey on ESPN began dramatically with a Thanksgiving matchup against St. John’s, setting the stage for a series of unforgettable late-night aired games that turned Gonzaga into a household name.
Trading sleep for basketball, fans were treated to fantastic players emerging from Mark Few’s program, such as Dan Dickau, Ronny Turiaf, and Drew Timme — talents that delighted spectators regardless of the hour. However, for many casual viewers, Gonzaga’s allure would only be acknowledged during the NCAA Tournament, while devoted fans followed their consistent progress within the WCC.
Over the years, the WCC has evolved significantly alongside Gonzaga. As BYU entered and exited the conference, Gonzaga’s dominance in the WCC became clear, particularly through the competitive rivalry with Saint Mary’s. Gonzaga’s anticipation of tournament finals became a tradition, further solidifying their status in college basketball.
Recent Achievements and Future Prospects
The Bulldogs had their final moment of glory in this conference on Tuesday as they defeated Santa Clara, securing a 79-68 victory in the WCC Championship game. Coach Mark Few celebrated his 21st conference tournament title, reflecting on his impressive record of 30 wins and 3 losses before heading to March Madness.
“It’s been a hell of a year,”
Few remarked, as his team gets ready for a projected high seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.
Looking ahead, Gonzaga is set to join the Pac-12, transforming their longstanding association with the WCC into a new era. This transition comes after years of notable success, with Few boasting a remarkable tournament record of 56 wins and only 6 losses. Regardless of the league’s perceived stature, this feat showcases the Bulldogs’ habitual dominance in a competitive landscape.
While some may argue that this year’s roster isn’t among Few’s most dazzling iterations, their ability to bounce back from a challenging first half against Santa Clara spoke volumes of their resilience. Key player Graham Ike, adorned with a championship cap, emphasized the desire to uphold Gonzaga’s victorious heritage.
“Ultimately, we ended where we started this… with championships,”
he expressed.
In an impressive individual performance, Ike showcased his skill, scoring 15 points on flawless shooting, while Few advocated for his All-America candidacy. Additionally, Mario Saint-Supery stood out, contributing 21 points, predominantly through six three-pointers. However, it was Gonzaga’s defensive prowess that truly dictated the game’s outcome, leaving Santa Clara potentially scrambling for a chance at March Madness despite Few’s belief they deserve a tournament bid, along with Saint Mary’s.
Conclusion: A Legacy in Late-Night Basketball
After years of success in the WCC, Gonzaga’s departure marks the end of an era, yet their ability to engage viewers through late-night games is destined to continue. As their final appearance in a conference paired with Gonzaga was winding down, Few addressed Scott Van Pelt in a postgame interview before the night completely fell over Las Vegas. Thus, Gonzaga gracefully exited their WCC chapter, leaving an indelible mark on college basketball during the late hours.
