Coach pays to get fans in stands

SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Santa Clara coach Kerry Keating wanted to do everything he could to ensure a full house at the Leavey Center for Saturday night’s game with No. 10 Gonzaga.

With school still out for the holiday break until Monday and on-campus dormitories closed until today, Keating offered $100 hotel reimbursements from his own bank account to those students who live on campus but had nowhere to stay Saturday night.

A dozen students took advantage of the offer sharing four rooms, including freshman Maribel Alcazar.

“I was super surprised,” said Alcazar, who attends most games as a member of the student spirit group Ruff Riders. “I originally thought the school would reimburse him. I’m really glad he’s so willing to do something like that. The game is sold out and a lot of students were disappointed the dorms wouldn’t be open. We’re really appreciative he’s doing this out of his own pocket.”

However, Gonzaga came away with an 81-74 victory.