Oregon Public Broadcasting

The Gonzaga University men’s basketball team is moving on to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The Zags beat the Akron Zips Thursday in Portland.

Inland Northwest correspondent Doug Nadvornick watched the game at the  Gonzaga student center in Spokane.

It’s a few minutes before the game and students are stuffing their faces with free pizza. A self-appointed cheerleader with a megaphone asks his peers to stand and hop around like they’re on pogo sticks.Cheerleader: “Everybody get up on your feet and let’s do it for real. No! Don’t just look at me like I’m a crazy black man! Stand up!”

After the tip-off, the Zags quickly score the first basket of the game. But Akron plays inspired ball and the Zips lead by three at halftime.

In the second half, Gonzaga finds its rhythm. The Zags   improve their defense. On the offensive end, they score several easy baskets.

Final score: Gonzaga 77, Akron 64. The Zags play a second-round game against Western Kentucky Saturday in Portland’s Rose Garden.

The University of Washington also advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The Huskies defeated Mississippi State, 71-58. They’ll play Purdue Saturday in Portland.

Meanwhile, Portland State will play its first-round game today in Boise. The Vikings will challenge the Xavier Musketeers.