Gonzaga March Madness 2026: Men Win, Women Fall

Gonzaga University is in the national spotlight this March, with both its men's and women's basketball programs competing in the 2026 NCAA Tournament while a significant leadership change unfolds at the university's law school. From buzzer-beaters to bracket busters, Gonzaga Nation is fully engaged — and the city of Spokane is rallying around its beloved Bulldogs.

Gonzaga Men's Basketball Advances in March Madness 2026

The Gonzaga Bulldogs men's basketball team opened their 2026 NCAA Tournament run with a convincing victory, defeating No. 14 seed Kennesaw State 73-64 as a No. 3 seed. The win demonstrated Gonzaga's trademark blend of disciplined offense and stifling defense, reinforcing why the Bulldogs remain one of college basketball's elite programs year after year.

The matchup was closely watched as Kennesaw State entered as a scrappy double-digit seed with nothing to lose — a classic March Madness upset setup. Gonzaga, however, left little room for drama, pulling away to secure the comfortable nine-point victory. According to CBS Sports, the Bulldogs controlled the pace throughout the game and never let the Owls gain meaningful momentum.

With the Round of 64 behind them, Gonzaga's men now set their sights on a critical second-round matchup. The Bulldogs are scheduled to face Texas on Saturday at 4:10 p.m. — a game that promises to be one of the most compelling contests of the weekend. A win over the Longhorns would push Gonzaga firmly into Sweet 16 contention and keep Spokane buzzing with March Madness energy.

Gonzaga Women's Basketball Bows Out to Ole Miss

While the men's program celebrated, the Gonzaga women's basketball team had a more difficult tournament experience. The No. 12 seeded Bulldogs fell to No. 5 seed Ole Miss in their first-round NCAA Tournament matchup on March 20, 2026.

Despite the loss, making the tournament field as a 12 seed represents a genuine achievement for Gonzaga's women's program. The team competed against a strong Ole Miss squad that has rapidly emerged as one of the SEC's most dangerous programs. Bracket followers know the 5-vs-12 matchup is historically one of the most unpredictable in the entire tournament, and Gonzaga played its part in keeping things competitive.

For fans following along, Yahoo Sports tracked the game with a live open thread, where Bulldogs supporters voiced their pride regardless of the outcome. The women's program continues to build toward deeper tournament runs in the years ahead.

Spokane Rallies Behind the Bulldogs: Watch Parties at No-Li Brewhouse

One of the defining stories of Gonzaga's March Madness run isn't happening on the hardwood — it's happening in the bars, living rooms, and gathering spots across Spokane, Washington. The city's connection to Gonzaga basketball is unlike nearly any other college town relationship in the country.

No-Li Brewhouse, one of Spokane's most beloved local establishments, hosted watch parties for each of Gonzaga's March Madness games, drawing crowds of passionate fans eager to cheer on their Bulldogs together. The atmosphere at these events reflects the deep civic pride Spokane takes in its university and its basketball program.

As KXLY News reported, fans packed the venue to celebrate the men's team win over Kennesaw State and to show support for the women's team despite their tournament exit. This kind of community engagement is a hallmark of Gonzaga's relationship with Spokane — the university doesn't just exist in the city, it defines a significant part of its identity.

Gonzaga basketball is more than a sport in Spokane — it's a shared civic experience that brings the entire community together each March.

Gonzaga Law School Dean Makes a Major Career Move

Away from the basketball courts, Gonzaga University made news in the academic world this week. Jacob Rooksby, the dean of Gonzaga University School of Law, has been named the new dean of the University of Richmond School of Law, effective July 1, 2026.

Rooksby has served as Gonzaga's law school dean since 2018, building a notable tenure that spanned nearly eight years. During his time at Gonzaga, he also held positions as a professor of law and leadership studies, reflecting a dual commitment to administrative leadership and academic scholarship.

He will succeed Wendy Collins Perdue, the current Richmond Law dean, who announced plans to step down after an impressive 15-year tenure leading the institution. Perdue's long run at Richmond sets a high bar for Rooksby, who will be taking the helm at one of Virginia's most respected law schools.

According to Virginia Business, the appointment signals a strong vote of confidence in Rooksby's leadership capabilities and his vision for legal education. The transition also opens the door for Gonzaga to identify its next law school dean — a significant hire that will shape the institution's academic direction in the years ahead.

Why Gonzaga Remains a College Basketball Powerhouse

Gonzaga's consistent presence in the NCAA Tournament is no accident. The Bulldogs have become one of the sport's most reliable programs, regularly producing NBA talent while competing at the highest level of college basketball under coach Mark Few's long-running tenure.

What makes Gonzaga's success particularly remarkable is its context. The university enrolls fewer than 10,000 students and is located in Spokane — not a major metropolitan recruiting hub. Yet the program has made the NCAA Tournament for more than two decades consecutively, a streak that ranks among the most impressive in the sport.

Key factors behind Gonzaga's sustained excellence include:

• Elite player development: Gonzaga routinely transforms high-upside recruits into NBA-caliber players.
• Coaching continuity: Mark Few's long tenure has created a stable system and a coveted culture.
• National recruiting reach: Despite its size, Gonzaga recruits nationally and internationally.
• Strong academic reputation: The university's Jesuit tradition of academic rigor attracts student-athletes who value both basketball and education.
• Passionate fanbase: From the Kennel Club to No-Li Brewhouse watch parties, Gonzaga's supporters are among the most devoted in the sport.

A No. 3 seed in 2026 reflects exactly where Gonzaga has positioned itself — consistently among the nation's elite, always a legitimate threat to make a deep tournament run.

What's Next for Gonzaga in the 2026 NCAA Tournament

All eyes now turn to Saturday's second-round showdown between Gonzaga and Texas. Tip-off is set for 4:10 p.m., giving fans plenty of time to make their way to watch parties or tune in from home.

Texas enters as a formidable opponent with size, athleticism, and Big 12 Tournament experience. The Longhorns will represent a significant step up in competition from Kennesaw State, testing Gonzaga's depth and execution under pressure.

For Spokane, the game is another opportunity to rally around the Bulldogs. No-Li Brewhouse and similar venues across the city are expected to fill up early as fans prepare for what promises to be one of the weekend's marquee matchups.

If Gonzaga advances past Texas, the path to the Sweet 16 opens — and with it, the possibility of another deep March run that would cement this year's team among the program's memorable squads.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gonzaga in March Madness 2026

What seed is Gonzaga in the 2026 NCAA Tournament?

Gonzaga's men's basketball team entered the 2026 NCAA Tournament as a No. 3 seed. The women's program competed as a No. 12 seed.

Did Gonzaga win their first March Madness game in 2026?

Yes. The Gonzaga men's team defeated No. 14 seed Kennesaw State 73-64 on March 21, 2026, to advance to the second round. The women's team lost to No. 5 seed Ole Miss in their first-round matchup.

When does Gonzaga play next in March Madness?

The Gonzaga men's team is scheduled to face Texas on Saturday at 4:10 p.m. A win would send the Bulldogs to the Sweet 16.

Where can fans watch Gonzaga games in Spokane?

No-Li Brewhouse in Spokane has been hosting official watch parties for each of Gonzaga's March Madness games, making it one of the top destinations for local fans during the tournament.

Who is Gonzaga's new law school dean after Jacob Rooksby leaves?

As of now, Gonzaga has not publicly announced a successor for Jacob Rooksby, who departs for the University of Richmond School of Law on July 1, 2026. The university is expected to conduct a national search for its next dean.

Conclusion

Gonzaga University is making headlines from multiple directions in March 2026. On the basketball side, the men's Bulldogs are alive and thriving in the NCAA Tournament after dispatching Kennesaw State, with a critical date against Texas on the horizon. The women's program showed heart in its first-round exit against Ole Miss. And in Spokane, the spirit of Gonzaga basketball is alive and well — from packed watch parties at No-Li Brewhouse to city-wide anticipation for Saturday's tip-off.

Off the court, the law school leadership transition signals an important new chapter for Gonzaga's academic programs. Jacob Rooksby's move to the University of Richmond is a testament to the caliber of leadership Gonzaga has cultivated — and opens a new opportunity for the university to shape its legal education future.

Whether you're a bracket follower, a Spokane local, or a Gonzaga alum, this is a week to stay locked in. The Bulldogs are playing for more than a tournament title — they're playing for the pride of an entire community.