WICHITA, KS – Gonzaga’s March Madness run was cut short in the Round of 32 against the top-seeded Houston Cougars.
For most of the game, it felt out of reach. The Cougars were everything the Zags thought they would be and Houston’s sharp-shooting combined with a physical defense shined on the court against the Bulldogs. In the final minutes, a squad led by Graham Ike pulled together a run to put the Zags within a single point, but Houston was too tough to overcome. The final score was 81-76.
Seniors Ben Gregg, Ryan Nembhard and Nolan Hickman were feeling all the emotions after the final buzzer.
“Everyone was walking around hugging each other, that was one of the saddest thing I’ve ever been a part of,” said Gregg.
“We all looked for each other and just huddled around each other and I think that’s when you’re the strongest. Me and everyone in [the locker room] shared a moment,” said Nembhard.
When asked about what makes this Gonzaga program so special, all of the players said it’s about the bond.
“The friendships. It’s indescribable,” said Hickman. “I’m just happy, glad to be a part of this team, glad to have my bros with me and I wouldn’t take this season back for nothing.”
The team has experienced tough losses and faced adversity throughout the season, but the fight in the end is the part this group wants people to remember.
“It shows our character, our heart. It’s been a theme this year, we faced a lot of adversity and we’re built for it. It’s just tough,” said Graham Ike.
Houston is moving onto the second round of March Madness and will face Purdue in the Sweet 16. Gonzaga held the longest active Sweet 16 appearance streak with nine before Saturday’s loss.
COPYRIGHT 2025 BY KXLY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.
