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Gonzaga Beats USC To Qualify For Men's Basketball 'Final Four'

Courtesy of Gonzaga University

The Gonzaga men’s basketball team is headed to the Final Four of the NCAA basketball tournament. The Bulldogs beat Southern California Tuesday to punch their ticket.Gonzaga continued its storybook, undefeated season with an 85-66 win over the USC Trojans. It was the Zags’ fourth straight win in the national tournament and gave them the West Regional title.

The Bulldogs got off to a quick start, running out to a 7-0 lead en route to a 19-point halftime lead. The Zags led by as much as 24 and kept a comfortable lead throughout the second half on their way to the win.

Gonzaga is 30-and-oh. All but one of those wins have come by 10 or more points. The Bulldogs have won 34 games in a row, dating back to last year. They’re seeking to become  the first college team since 1976 to have an undefeated season and win a national championship.

Next step, a national semifinal matchup on Saturday against either the UCLA Bruins, who beat Michigan 51-49 on Tuesday night.

It’s Gonzaga’s second-ever Final Four. The last time the Zags reached this lofty pinnacle was four years ago when they lost to North Carolina in the national championship game. Then, they were an underdog. This time, they’re not.