Northwestern Wildcats

Northwestern was ready to fight Gonzaga for the right to play in the Sweet 16, and the Wildcats made sure to bring a barrage of fans to cheer them on in the round of 32 against Gonzaga.

Some wins ride on a little more than just talent – they require a bit of luck.

It’s official. Gonzaga is now the most hated team in America. But the referees who missed the goaltending call are a close second.

Gonzaga led 63-56, but the Wildcats were closing fast. The Zags’ memorable season and NCAA Tournament were hanging in the balance. Sounds like a job for a couple of 19-year-olds. Coach Mark Few turned to his bench and inserted freshmen Zach Collins and Killian Tillie for Przemek Karnowski and Johnathan Williams.

Gonzaga won 79-73 on Saturday and the big controversy was about a goaltending no call that ended up yielding a four-point swing toward the Bulldogs when Northwestern coach Chris Collins was called for a technical foul for yelling at the officials.

The 2016-17 season saw Northwestern play in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history. The Wildcats have no intention of it being their last dance.

In a sport where gigantic athletes are not allowed to touch yet are constantly crashing into each other, a certain amount of controversy is expected. The most hated player at Duke doesn’t draw so many boos as an exceptional college basketball official.

Ernie Johnson may not have, but Gonzaga fans knew better. An 18-point halftime lead was not the end of the story. Period.

The key moment, offensive player of the game and defensive player of the game from Gonzaga’s 79-73 win over Northwestern on Saturday, March 18, 2017 at the Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City.