Jeering and Cheering: Perspectives on the Gonzaga Game
Broncos fall just short in the biggest game of the year
Despite the heartbreak of a last-minute loss, the men’s basketball game against conference rival Gonzaga University was one to remember. This week, we talk about the game from our own perspectives: as students, Athletics employees, journalists and of course, Bronco fans.
Thomas: I came down to campus two days early just for this game. A top 10 team in your house? I wasn’t going to miss that for the world. Brandin Podziemski vs Rasir Bolton. Keshawn Justice vs Drew Timme. Stars on stars everywhere.
A friend and I squeezed into an already-packed student section 50 minutes before tipoff – by far the most energized crowd of the season to date. In terms of crowd energy, the sold out Leavey Center did not disappoint.
Going up 20-8 and 30-16 early on was adrenaline inducing, with Gonzaga head coach Mark Few rapidly calling timeouts and benching some of his starters quickly. I was losing my voice. Broncos fans were screaming. The huge horde of Zag fans were quiet for the time being. However, we knew the Zags wouldn’t go quietly.
For the next 30 minutes, the teams went back and forth in a barn burner. It’s all you can ever ask for in a college sports experience.
Do I wish the Broncos could’ve won? Of course. Is it the end of the world that they didn’t snag the win over the #9 team in the nation? Of course not. Santa Clara’s stock is rising, and it’s time everyone takes notice.
Mia: As my first game back since a quarter abroad and my reintroduction to working for the Athletics department after a 6-month hiatus, the Zags game experience wasn’t something I’ll forget anytime soon.
From my spot courtside, running back and forth to amp up the student section, the entire 40 minutes were an absolute riot. Right off the bat, we were keeping stride with the Bulldogs more than anyone expected after being destroyed by them last season.
The stadium was by far the most packed I’ve ever seen it, and the energy was electrifying. A highlight moment: Brandon Podziemski hitting a 3-pointer late in the first half, and absolutely every Bronco fan hootin’ and hollerin’ in response.
The sense of solidarity and camaraderie that can be felt in those moments is such a unique and quintessential “college sports” experience, and the Bronco spirit was overwhelming throughout the game.
Zach:
My friends and I made a deal: be there at 5:30. It was understood this was likely to be a once in a lifetime game.
Although we were among the first to arrive, it was well worth the hour and a half wait until tipoff to secure front-row seats. Posters and pom-poms lined the bleachers, with clappers waiting to be inflated to intimidate the Zags. The school spirit was asking to be fulfilled, and my oh man it was.
In a sold-out game, the seats were packed with Broncos and Zags alike, ready to go head to head in battle. With tipoff, the game was underway and the place got rowdy. Chants, clapping and cheering combined in a sweet harmony to support our team through any challenge.
And what a game it was. The scores were constantly flipping, and although the Broncos worked their socks off, their efforts were not enough to cash a winning ticket. While the Zags secured the dub, the Broncos showed what can happen when the school shows up and shows out.
In a beautiful coming together, Bronco Nation was able to both compete with and intimidate a team well-known as one of the best. That is something to be proud of, and there will be no shortage of excitement for what’s to come.