I was in attendance last night for the Zags game at SCU. Let me start off with this: if you thought you could get a close seat at the MAC, you can get even closer at the Leavey Center. I was sitting courtside...literally. Of course, you have to have some deep connections within SCU or be a serious donor to get these seats (for the record, I know some people, I definitely don't give that school any money, they don't need it!). You can sit in folding chairs opposite the team benches...Stick your leg out and you're on the court! That was awesome, I have never watched a NCAA or NBA basketball game from that close before!

In terms of the fans and atmosphere, it was rockin'. Obviously it was no K2, but that had to be the most energetic student section for a team winless in conference! I was decked out in my Gonzaga gear and definitely got trash talked quite a bit, but nothing I wouldn't expect the Kennel Club to do to SCU fans up at our place! :) They kept it classy although there were some halfhearted "Spokane Sucks" and "Safety School" chants at the end of the game. Not really gonna throw a fit about 2 frustration chants that aren't true!

Having never watched a game that close before, I have pretty much changed my opinion of Robert Sacre. I thought he was soft in the post...wrong! The man is an animal. He usually had 2 or even 3 guys pulling his jersey, hanging onto an arm, giving him bear hugs and dragging him away from the basket. He still managed to put up 20 points efficiently while getting fouled on just about every trip down the floor.

Also, Sacre and Kevin Pangos are the definite leaders of this team. You can't hear or even see it from TV, but every time down the floor on defense and offense, each are directing traffic and calling out sets. After fouls, they bring the huddle together and encourage teammates. It's really cool to be as close to the players as the coaches are, you can learn quite a bit more about what is going on in the game. Sacre also talks to refs on behalf of other players on his team. He was milking them the whole game, winking at them, making jokes...he even apologized for his taunting foul after the dunk. ("Sorry bout that, I get excited sometimes")

I could go on and on and on about what I saw on the court and off it (Gaz, I know you had some questions about the cheerleaders and dance team...) If anyone wants anymore of the "Juicy deets," I'd be happy to oblige. GO ZAGS!!!