UCLA And Gonzaga Played The Best Game Of The Tournament Past Your Bedtime

There are still eleven games left to be played in this year’s March Madness, but late Thursday night we may have played the best game of the tournament as Gonzaga topped UCLA, 79-76, in an absolute thriller.

These two teams played a classic tournament game back in 2006, when Gonzaga’s National Player of the Year Adam Morrison led the Bulldogs against Jordan Farmar and the Bruins. Here’s a blast to the past.

March 23, 2006: UCLA comes back from 9-points down in the final minutes to shock Gonzaga in the Sweet 16, leaving Adam Morrison in tears. Gus Johnson on the call. pic.twitter.com/OISZfjcmgb

— This Day In Sports Clips (@TDISportsClips) March 23, 2023

One of the great tournament games, and spawned the famous Adam Morrison crying meme.

But, in Thursday night’s West Regional semifinals in Vegas, it was the exact opposite of that game in so many ways. In 2006, the Zags got out to a 13-point halftime lead, but this time it was the Bruins with that exact same lead at halftime.

Honestly, the only reason Gonzaga was even within 13 was star big man Drew Timme, who had a monster first half.

But, the bulldogs got it figured out in the 2nd half, and went on a huge run spurred by great defense to take a commanding lead late.

Gonzaga led by nine with 1:25 left, but UCLA stormed back to take the lead, and all of a sudden, crying Adam Morrison was very relevant once again.

Just an unreal turn of events, and the stuff that makes March Madness special. But, Gonzaga had an answer in the form of an incredible shot by Julian Strawther.

After UCLA turned it over and the Zags split a pair, the Bruins had one last desperation chance, and they got an incredible look at the rim. But, it wouldn’t fall.

Seriously though, how did UCLA get that good of a look? Regardless, it’s an instant classic, and seventeen years to the exact day of their previous classic. When you factor in the famous Jalen Suggs buzzer beater in the Final Four two years ago, these two teams need to play in the tournament more often.

Gonzaga and Timme, who had an unreal 36 points and 13 rebounds, will take on UCONN for a trip to the final four on Saturday.