No. 8 Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. No. 16 Arizona Wildcats college basketball

Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Nigel Williams-Goss (5) shoots a jumper during the second half of the No. 8 Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. No. 16 University of Arizona Wildcats college basketball game on Dec. 3, 2016, in Staples Center in Los Angeles, Calif. Gonzaga won 69-62. Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star

The northernmost of the remaining teams in the field — and the only one in the vicinity of our giant cold state to the north — Gonzaga has thrived this season while benefiting from myriad castaways. And unlike the United States’ purchase of Russia for $7.2 million, these guys came on a great bargain. The Bulldogs’ best player, Nigel Williams-Goss, defected from Washington; third-leading scorer Jordan Mathews jumped over from Cal; and versatile forward and fifth-leading scorer Johnathan Williams played two years at Missouri. 


Become a #ThisIsTucson member! Your contribution helps our team bring you stories that keep you connected to the community. Become a member today.

Contact reporter Jon Gold at jgold@tucson.com or at (520) 573-8013. On Twitter: @TheCoolSub