In a poignant conclusion to his collegiate basketball journey, Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Khalif Battle was visibly emotional on the court following his team’s narrow 81-76 defeat to the University of Houston Cougars in the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. The loss marked the end of Battle’s six-year college career, which included stints at Butler, Temple, Arkansas, and finally Gonzaga.

 

Battle, who scored 17 points in the game, was seen covering his face with his jersey as tears streamed down, embodying the heartbreak of the moment. Houston’s coach, Kelvin Sampson, approached the distraught player, offering a consoling embrace and words of encouragement. Sampson commended Battle’s dedication, noting, “Those tears at the end of the game told me how much he cared and how much this mattered to him.”

 

Sampson further praised Battle’s decision to transfer to Gonzaga, highlighting his commitment to team success over personal accolades. “I admire the young man for choosing to go to Gonzaga because that tells me winning is important,” Sampson remarked.

 

Battle’s journey through multiple programs culminated in his time at Gonzaga, where he played a pivotal role in securing the West Coast Conference (WCC) Tournament title. His performance in the WCC tournament was instrumental, earning him all-tournament honors and leading the Bulldogs to their first WCC title since 2023.

 

Reflecting on his path, Battle expressed gratitude for the experiences and growth he achieved. “We’ve been practicing for this moment… I’m just happy we were able to hoist the trophy at the end of that,” he said after the WCC championship.

 

As Battle’s collegiate career concludes, his emotional response underscores the profound impact of his journey and the deep bonds formed along the way. His resilience and dedication have left an indelible mark on the programs he represented and serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes.