Gonzaga's Stunning Loss Overshadows Hall of Fame Weekend in Spokane

The NCAA men's semifinal games failed to reach the level of a Hall of Fame induction ceremony for Gonzaga's Mark Few.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 3:24pm

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The NCAA men's basketball Final Four weekend in Spokane was highlighted by the induction of Gonzaga head coach Mark Few into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. However, the on-court action fell short of the historic significance, with neither semifinal game reaching the level of a Hall of Fame ceremony. Michigan's decisive victory over Arizona exposed the Wildcats' weaknesses, while the loss tarnished what was an otherwise exceptional season for the program.

Why it matters

The NCAA tournament is the pinnacle of college basketball, and the Final Four weekend is a showcase event. While Few's Hall of Fame induction was a significant achievement, the lack of competitive, high-level games on the court overshadowed the celebration. This raises questions about the current state of college basketball and whether the sport is living up to the hype and excitement of past tournaments.

The details

Michigan's 91-73 semifinal victory over Arizona came without much contribution from Pac-12 Player of the Year Yaxel Lendeborg, who was limited by early foul trouble and a leg injury. The Wolverines' aggressive defense disrupted the Wildcats' offense, exposing their weaknesses. Meanwhile, UConn is looking to become the first team to win three NCAA titles in four years, a historic accomplishment that would cement their status as a college basketball powerhouse.

  • The NCAA men's semifinal games were played on Saturday, April 5, 2026.
  • The NCAA women's championship game is scheduled for today, April 6, 2026.

The players

Mark Few

The head coach of the Gonzaga Bulldogs, who was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on Saturday.

Yaxel Lendeborg

The Pac-12 Player of the Year for Arizona, who was limited by early foul trouble and a leg injury in the semifinal loss to Michigan.

Dusty May

The head coach of the Michigan Wolverines, whose team defeated Arizona in the NCAA men's semifinal.

John Wooden

The legendary UCLA head coach, who is the last coach to win three NCAA titles in four years.

Ann Meyers

The former UCLA women's basketball player who led the Bruins to the AIAW national championship in 1978, before the NCAA sponsored women's basketball.

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What’s next

The NCAA men's championship game between UConn and the winner of the Michigan-Gonzaga matchup will be played on Monday, April 7, 2026.

The takeaway

The Final Four weekend in Spokane was overshadowed by the lack of competitive, high-level games on the court, despite the historic significance of Mark Few's Hall of Fame induction. This raises questions about the current state of college basketball and whether the sport is living up to the excitement and hype of past tournaments.