Zags returning to Huntsman Center

Them again?

The last time the Gonzaga Bulldogs were at the Huntsman Center in 2003, they edged Cincinnati by five in the opening round of the NCAA tournament then took Arizona to double overtime before falling 96-95 in a thriller that still plays on ESPN Classic.

This time coming in, the Bulldogs boast a lofty 27-3 record and player-of-the-year candidate Adam Morrison. Their No. 3 seeding is the same as they were in 2005 when they fell in the second round to Texas Tech. The Zags are looking to quell all doubters and validate their high seeding. Some even believe Gonzaga should have been a No. 2 seed, based on their preseason wins over Michigan State, Maryland and Oklahoma State.

Coach Mark Few, however, isn't concerned with his seeding. In a teleconference Sunday night, he said, "We were expecting anything from a two- to a four-seed. Our delayed reaction had more to do with the 8-second delay on the satellite feed we were watching than a reaction to our seeding."

Their three losses this year came against Washington, a No. 5 seed that plays Utah State, and two No. 1 seeds — Connecticut and Memphis. Since their loss to Memphis back in late December, Gonzaga has won 18 straight, including going undefeated in the West Coast Conference and winning the WCC tournament title. The Bulldogs have struggled in their last three games, beating San Francisco by three, 75-72, San Diego by four in overtime, 96-92, and Loyola Marymount by one in the WCC title game, 68-67.

Few said Sunday that an injury to player J.P. Batista hurt his squad in the tournament. "We're not nearly as good without J.P., but we knew we were going to face someone good, irregardless of our seeding."

Gonzaga draws the No. 14 seed Xavier Musketeers (21-10), who won the Atlantic 10 tournament are making their 17th appearance in the NCAA tournament, advancing to the Elite 8 in 2004.

"I was surprised to see Xavier that low," Few said. "They're usually a No. 5 or 6 seed. We want to keep playing," he said.

"Salt Lake City is the closest region for our fans, and the fans in Salt Lake know us. (Former Jazz player) John Stockton has been a tremendous ambassador for our university. Hopefully, we'll be playing our best basketball when we go on Thursday."

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E-mail: jringwood@desnews.com