Gonzaga’s history on Boise courts not so impressive

Gonzaga’s game against UNC Greensboro in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday will be the first time in nearly two decades that the Bulldogs have played in Boise.

Thursday’s showing will also be the first time Gonzaga has played in Boise for the NCAA Tournament. This year is the ninth time the city has hosted the tournament, the last time being in 2009.

Former Zags struggled in Boise for years, managing a 5-9 record in the city dating back to 1971, and 2-4 inside the Taco Bell Arena. All of those showings have been in the regular season. Most have been against Boise State in the 1970s when the Broncos and the Zags were in the Big Sky Conference together.

The last time Gonzaga played in Boise was in the 2000-2001 season, Mark Few’s first season as head coach. The Zags suffered a staggering 94-69 loss to Boise State inside the Taco Bell Arena, just a year after Gonzaga’s first run to the Elite Eight.

The Zags went 2-1 in Boise in the 1990s, including a 90-83 win over Idaho State at Taco Bell Arena on Dec. 27, 1996.

The Zags had their worst run after Boise State entered the Big Sky in 1970. Gonzaga finished the 1970s going 2-5 in Boise against the Broncos, including a 3-point victory on Jan. 24, 1975.