Downs makes his first appearance

BRONCOS, 24-22

We have a Micah Downs sighting. And a rebound. And an assist. And probably a few butterflies.

The Kansas transfer made his first appearance in a Gonzaga uniform at the 12:50 mark of the first half. He made his presence felt right away.

The highlight of his first couple minutes was a touch pass from the wing to Josh Heytvelt, who redirected it into the hoop.

It may have been the only time in his first 5 minutes Heytvelt was around the basket instead of being around the perimeter. Though, with the width of the Santa Clara big men, the GU coaching staff may want him outside to clear the middle.

We won’t know until the second half, though, because he picked up a cheap second foul and will probably sit the rest of the half.

GU is not shooting well at 39 percent from the field and 17 percent from beyond the arc.

Derek Raivio also missed a free throw, which breaks a streak of 44 consecutive makes by the senior guard.