SAN DIEGO – Mark Few was pleased with the performance his No. 3 Gonzaga Bulldogs displayed at San Diego State’s Viejas Arena, marking their first game outside Spokane, Washington, this season.
The Bulldogs secured an impressive double-digit win in front of a boisterous crowd. With a lineup full of depth and experience, they demonstrated the resilience needed in their quest for a long-coveted national championship. Additionally, Few observed the potential for future collaboration with SDSU within the Pac-12, seeing them as more of a future ally than a competitor.
Graham Ike and Ryan Nembhard led Gonzaga to a commanding 80-67 victory over Brian Dutcher’s youthful and injured squad. This win was a response to last year’s defeat when SDSU triumphed 84-74 at The Kennel, which halted Gonzaga’s impressive 59-game nonconference winning streak.
Both teams reached the Sweet Sixteen in the previous season, with Gonzaga being the only program in the country to achieve this milestone for nine consecutive years, extending its streak of NCAA Tournament appearances to 25.
Upon returning to Spokane, the Bulldogs extended their record to 5-0 with a crushing 84-41 victory over Long Beach State, raising expectations among fans in the region.
In a landscape heavily influenced by name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals and the transfer portal, Gonzaga remains well-positioned. Of 12 potential returning players, 10 have stayed, including all four starters. They retained 81% of last season’s scoring and 71% of their rebounding, with six of their top seven scorers back and 81.4% of minutes played returning as well.
“We’re tougher,” Few stated. “We’re physically tougher, we’re mentally tougher, especially at this point in the season. A lot of the same guys from last year are back. That’s what happens when you have players who stay for a couple of years.”
“To win in an environment like this, you have to be tough in both aspects,” Few continued. “San Diego State brings physicality and great athleticism, challenging you in all areas of the game.”
Gonzaga announced on October 1 that it will transition from the West Coast Conference, where it has been the dominant force for much of the last 25 years, to a restructured Pac-12. Beginning with the 2026-27 academic year, Gonzaga will join Washington State, Oregon State, and new additions Boise State, San Diego State, Fresno State, Utah State, and Colorado State from the Mountain West.
While not as dominant as Gonzaga, San Diego State has also established itself as a top program in the region, first under Steve Fisher and now under Dutcher, who has been at the helm for eight seasons.
Few shared that he often spoke with Fisher about the possibility of both programs sharing a conference. Fisher follows the Aztecs closely, often watching games from the second row over Fisher Court.
“We discussed it endlessly,” Few remarked. “I’m happy for Dutch; he’s doing an excellent job.”
San Diego State marked a milestone by reaching its first Final Four in 2023, highlighted by Lamont Butler’s exhilarating buzzer-beater against Florida Atlantic that propelled the Aztecs into the championship game, where they ultimately lost to UConn, 76-59. They were eliminated again by UConn in the Sweet Sixteen of the last season, while Gonzaga was defeated by Purdue.
Gonzaga began this season on a high note with a commanding 101-63 victory against the then-No. 8 Baylor at Spokane Arena. This represented Gonzaga’s largest margin of victory over a top-10 opponent, avenging their loss to the same team in the 2021 national title game.
Nembhard, who tallied 19 points and contributed 10 assists against SDSU, praised his team’s ability to handle the pressure in Viejas Arena. “When they surged and the crowd got loud, we managed to stay composed and relied on our offensive strategies,” he reflected.
Although Nembhard will not be around when Gonzaga and SDSU both join the Pac-12, he anticipates a strong rivalry. “This is a phenomenal program. I faced them several times at Creighton, and they always put up a tough challenge. They have passionate fans, a great coach, and play with intensity. I foresee an exciting rivalry developing.”