Gonzaga A.D. Mike Roth finds just the right vantage point

BOISE – Gonzaga’s tense first two NCAA Tournament games have tested athletic director Mike Roth’s viewing protocol.

Roth has watched every GU game he’s attended in person since the 1999-2000 season from a tunnel, usually the one closest to the Zags’ bench, to deal with an onset of nervous energy.

The Zags’ 68-64 thriller over UNC Greensboro on Thursday required a couple of Roth repositions before momentum sided with the Zags. Roth noticed Gonzaga’s strong finish corresponded to when he was standing next to a women who worked in Boise State’s ticket office.

Gonzaga was in another tight contest Saturday against Ohio State, which led by five with 6 minutes remaining. Roth knew what he had to do. He found the same BSU employee, stood next to her and the Zags promptly rallied for a 90-84 victory.

“I told Boise State A.D. Curt Apsey that she might have a full-time position at Gonzaga,” Roth cracked.