Gonzaga has been here before. In the school’s third appearance in the Elite Eight, the Zags are just 40 minutes away from reaching the Final Four, what has become a barometer of success for college basketball programs.
After a grueling defensive slugging match between West Virginia, the Bulldogs face the Cinderellas of Xavier Musketeers, who have rallied together after dismissals, injuries and a forgettable month of basketball. Two Jesuit schools are vying for their first trip to the Final Four. This is the first time since 1994 (Florida vs. Boston College) that two teams in the Elite Eight are facing off to make their first semifinals appearance.