Why Terrell Owens is a Gonzaga ‘fan’ after the former NFL wide receiver was spotted cheering on the Zags against UCLA in the Sweet Sixteen.
The Gonzaga Bulldogs and UCLA Bruins faced off in the Sweet Sixteen round of this year’s NCAA College Basketball Tournament on Thursday night.
The two schools have a storied rivalry dating back years, and this year’s game was just the latest edition in their memorable matchups.
This year, it was Gonzaga who came away with the victory, beating UCLA 79-76 to reach March Madness‘ Elite Eight. They are now just one win away from their third Final Four appearance in the last five NCAA Tournaments.
Terrell Owens hyped at Gonzaga vs UCLA game
Pro Football Hall of Fame NFL wide receiver Terrell Owens was in attendance at the game.
The six-time Pro Bowl and five-time first-team All-Pro selectee was spotted getting hyped during various points in the gam. He was particularly animated when Gonzaga’s Malachi Smith knocked down a 3-pointer during the second half to put Gonzaga up 72-62.
Why Terrell Owens is Gonzaga ‘fan’
Various clips of the NFL star having fun at the game went viral. However, many fans wondered why Terrell Owens is a Gonzaga fan.
As some pointed out, technically Terrell Owens is a Malachi Smith fan. Smith transferred to Gonzaga from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
Owens played college football, as well as basketball at UTC, and even played in the 1995 NCAA basketball tournament. The wide receiver evidently likes to see former Mocs family doing well hence why he was supporting Smith.
Smith just so happens to play for Gonzaga, which is why Owens is a fan.
Zags edge March Madness thriller
It was certainly a wild game to be at. Junior Julian Strawther pulled up from the edge of the half-court logo to bury a 3-pointer with 7.2 seconds left in the game and ensure the Zags 79-76 victory.
The shot means the third-seeded Gonzaga will now face fourth-seeded UConn on Saturday with a Final Four berth at stake.