SMC Athletic Communications
Prior to Saturday night, the last time a number one team visited the Saint Mary’s campus was the same year Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus. It was when a Bill Russell led San Francisco Dons team marched into the town of Moraga en route to a 65-57 victory
The booming buzz surrounding the storied matchup set the stage with the help of ESPN College GameDay. Bright lights, high reward, and a uniquely special atmosphere. No. 1 Gonzaga represented a conference rival, national audience and launch pad to a higher ranking—high stakes for the Gaels, who ESPN annalist Jay Williams described as “a giant.