The breakthrough victory, however, will require beating the one team in college basketball with which Gonzaga has the most in common. First in the Atlantic 10 and now in the Big East, the Musketeers have ranked among the nation’s elite programs, as well. Like Gonzaga, Xavier is making its third Elite Eight appearance, all of which have come since 2004. Xavier guard Trevon Bluiett (Ben Margot/Associated Press)The revenue gained by the football schools in the Power Five conferences was considered a barrier for schools without major football programs, such as Gonzaga and Xavier. Thirteen teams from Division I’s four best basketball-only conferences — the Big East, Atlantic 10, West Coast and Missouri Valley — received bids to this year’s tournament.

Source: Washington Post March 25, 2017 01:50 UTC