In 1999, Gonzaga’s basketball team made an impressive run to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament. Despite being labeled as “Cinderella” by some, the team proved their abilities through a string of upset wins. In their tournament opener against Minnesota, Gonzaga faced a team dealing with suspensions due to an academic scandal. The Zags, led by coach Dan Monson, utilized a strong defensive strategy to shut down Minnesota’s leading scorer, Quincy Lewis. Despite a second-half comeback by Minnesota, Gonzaga ultimately secured a 75-63 victory with a standout performance from guard Richie Frahm. The win propelled Gonzaga to the next round, where they would face Stanford.
The game was not only a testament to Gonzaga’s basketball prowess but also highlighted their academic achievements as scholars. The atmosphere at Key Arena in Seattle was filled with Gonzaga fans and supporters, creating a raucous environment in favor of the underdog Zags. Coach Monson’s impressive half-court shots during practice the day before foreshadowed the team’s success in the game against Minnesota.
The victory over Minnesota marked a significant moment in Gonzaga’s basketball history, setting the stage for future success and coaching changes. Following the tournament, Monson left to become head coach at Minnesota, opening the door for Mark Few to take over the coaching position at Gonzaga. The game against Minnesota remains a memorable chapter in Gonzaga’s journey to becoming a competitive force in college basketball.
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