SPOKANE, Wash. — In an impressive season opener, the No. 6 ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs triumphed over No. 8 Baylor Bears with a commanding score of 101-63 at Spokane Arena on Friday night. Nolan Hickman led the way for Gonzaga with 17 points, while Graham Ike contributed significantly with 15 points and eight rebounds.
Braden Huff also made his mark, adding 14 points to the scoreboard for the Bulldogs, who celebrated their 19th consecutive victory in season openers. This match marked a significant win for Gonzaga as they faced a Baylor team that previously defeated them in the 2021 National Championship game and again in the 2022 Peacock Classic.
On the other side, Norchad Omier stood out for the Bears, finishing with 15 points and nine rebounds. Robert Wright added 12 points, while Josh Ojianwuna chipped in with 10 points.
The Bulldogs surged in the second half, executing an impressive 24-4 run that completely shifted the game’s momentum, resulting in Baylor experiencing their largest defeat in the last decade.
**Baylor’s Struggles**
Baylor had a rough first half, missing their initial five shots and finishing at a mere 36.2% shooting from the field before halftime. The Bears, under head coach Scott Drew, failed to recover, ultimately ending the game with a field goal percentage of 37.1%, which included a dismal 14.3% from three-point range.
**Gonzaga’s Dominance**
In stark contrast, Gonzaga showcased their shooting prowess with a striking 57.1% shooting from the field and 41.9% from beyond the arc. Notably, this game marked the first time they scored over 100 points against a ranked opponent since their win over Alabama on December 17, 2022.
**Statistical Highlights**
One of the key statistics that stood out was Gonzaga’s dominance on the boards, where they out-rebounded Baylor 45-32. The Bulldogs were particularly effective on the offensive glass, securing 16 offensive rebounds and converting these opportunities into 17 second-chance points.
**Decisive Moments**
Khalif Battle delivered a pivotal moment in the match by sinking three consecutive three-pointers, which extended Gonzaga’s lead to over 30 points with just over six minutes remaining in the game. Battle concluded his performance with a total of 12 points, all coming from long-range shots.
**Looking Ahead**
As the season progresses, Baylor is set to take on No. 16 Arkansas in Dallas on Saturday, while Gonzaga prepares to host Arizona State on Sunday, hoping to continue their winning momentum.