The Forty-Year Match

Gael’s vs Gonzaga: the biggest rivalry in D1 history 

Image c/o Piper Westrom 

By Val Hill 
Sports Editor 

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The Gaels headed to the city of Spokane on February 3rd, to go up against their biggest rivals in the West Coast Conference (WCC). “The Kennel” was packed to the brim, with students from both schools packed and bringing all the energy they could. However, the Bulldogs took a massive 9-point lead within minutes, making the Gaels play catch-up for six minutes. With no shots to points within that time, Coach Bennett told Harry Wessels to stand down, trying to keep the Gaels out of foul trouble. Since most of the starting line-up had about two or three fouls each. The Gaels needed to breathe and find a way to win on the road. However, the Bulldogs weren’t making it easy for the Gaels to make their shots. 

One player that played his heart out was Josh Jefferson. He played this game in such a way that it allowed Aiden Mahaney to find his rhythm. The biggest key in the Gaels plays is keeping Saxon on the floor and out of foul trouble. After the Gaels slowed down and found their flow again, the point gap closed until it was a point for point at the end of the first half, ending with a score of 33 to 34. 

The second half picked up with Jefferson scoring every point in the first few minutes, taking control of the rhythm and flow of both teams. However, this didn't stop the Bulldogs, who forced the speed up and slowed down, forcing the Gaels into foul trouble.

There was one thing that affected both teams equally: the horrible sportsmanship from the Gonzaga student section. From them throwing drinks and food onto the court to their clear disrespect to the referees and announcers, players were slipping and falling on the court. This was arguably the worst display of sportsmanship that I have ever witnessed. The students were completely out of control and there should have been many technical fouls, but none were made.

Against all odds, Augustas Marčiulionis made an amazing three-point shot, allowing the Gaels to win with a score of 64 to 62, making the Gaels undefeated in the WCC.