In a compelling West Coast Conference showdown, the No. 6 Gonzaga Bulldogs triumphed over Saint Mary's with a final score of 73-65. This victory extended Gonzaga's impressive winning streak to 15 games, a testament to their consistent performance. The game was particularly noteworthy for the return and stellar play of Graham Ike, who had been sidelined due to an ankle injury. His reintegration into the team proved pivotal, as he delivered a commanding 30-point performance, guiding his team through a challenging contest.
The match, held in Spokane, Washington, saw the Bulldogs facing a spirited Saint Mary's squad. Ike, despite his recent absence, demonstrated remarkable form, converting 11 of 20 field goal attempts, including three successful shots from beyond the arc. This was his second occasion this season achieving a 30-point tally. Complementing Ike's efforts, Jalen Warley contributed 10 points and secured seven rebounds, while Emmanuel Innocenti also added 10 points to Gonzaga's scoreline, showcasing the team's depth.
Saint Mary's, despite their eventual defeat, put up a strong fight, with Joshua Dent leading their scoring with 16 points and Paulius Murauskas adding 15. Dillan Shaw also chipped in 13 points for the Gaels. The Gaels initially seized momentum, particularly in the first half, and even established a 44-38 lead early in the second half, highlighted by Shaw's three-pointer.
However, Gonzaga responded with a powerful 10-2 run, shifting the game's dynamic. Ike's turnaround jumper gave them a two-point lead, which they steadily built upon. A subsequent 8-0 surge, capped by Warley's basket, saw the Bulldogs extend their advantage to 56-48. Although Mantas Juzenas managed a three-pointer to narrow the gap for Saint Mary's, Gonzaga maintained control, eventually sealing their win with another Ike three-pointer in the closing minutes.
The statistics reflected Gonzaga's superior shooting efficiency, with the Bulldogs hitting 46.6% of their field goals compared to Saint Mary's 34%. This win not only solidified Gonzaga's position but also continued their dominant record against Saint Mary's, marking their 28th victory in their last 38 encounters.
The triumph underscored Gonzaga's formidable presence in the West Coast Conference, with their strategic play and the impactful return of key players proving crucial in securing yet another victory against a resilient opponent. This performance reinforces their status as a top-ranked team, demonstrating their capability to overcome challenges and maintain a high level of play throughout the season.