Bill Murray says about Xavier, 'You better be on your feet and screaming'

SAN JOSE — Wearing a beige fisherman’s vest and a baseball cap, Bill Murray looked as if ready to head to the Caddyshack and fill in some gopher holes. But upon closer inspection, he was dressed appropriately enough for the occasion — Xaver’s stunning victory against No. 2 seed Arizona Thursday night in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA basketball tournament.

Wearing a blinking blue X pendant, Murray was frequently on his feet and cheering while 11th-seeded Xavier pulled off the upset at the SAP Center.

“If you’re here, you better be on your feet and screaming,’’ Murray told USA TODAY Sports.

He had a special reason to be here — his son, Luke, is an assistant coach on Xavier’s staff. And Murray said watching his son Thursday night was akin to what Murray experienced when he watched his beloved Chicago Cubs win the World Series last year.

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“You felt it in your whole body, your whole being, your whole history, that Cub thing,’’ he said. “And this is similar to that because it’s my son.’’

Luke Murray, in his second year at Xavier, said he spotted his famous father in the crowd when the game grew tense in the final minutes.

“He saw me looking at him, and we locked eyes for a minute,’’ Luke Murray said. “This is the first time I’ve ever experienced anything like this, going to the Elite Eight. So for him to be here with me is pretty cool.’’