INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Since Gonzaga and UCLA’s dramatic 2006 Sweet 16 clash, the two programs have built an intense rivalry filled with unforgettable moments — from the Zags’ heartbreaking 73-71 loss that year, to Jalen Suggs’ iconic Final Four buzzer-beater in 2021, to Julian Strawther’s deep 3 in the 2023 Elite Eight.
Saturday afternoon’s tussle in the newly-opened Intuit Dome proved to be no different, as once again, the Bruins and Zags found themselves deadlocked in a neck-and-neck battle — one that appeared destined for yet another classic finish. But after a wide-open miss from 3 by guard Dusty Stromer with the Zags down one in the last minute, it looked as though GU would need another moment of magic to get back in the game.