SPOKANE, Wash. — Graham Ike showcased an impressive performance, contributing 21 points and seven rebounds, as No. 18 Gonzaga secured a convincing 88-75 win over Washington State on Saturday evening. The match was competitive throughout the first half, but Gonzaga managed to pull ahead decisively in the later stages.
Nolan Hickman supported the Bulldogs’ effort with 19 points, sinking five shots from beyond the arc, helping the team improve to a 14-4 overall record and remain unbeaten at 5-0 in the West Coast Conference. For Washington State, which now holds a 13-5 record and is 3-2 in the conference, Nate Calmese stood out, scoring 20 points on an efficient 9-of-14 shooting and adding eight assists.
Also contributing to Gonzaga’s victory was Ben Gregg, who finished with 11 points, nine rebounds, and five assists. Interestingly, despite the close proximity of merely 66 miles between both institutions, they had not faced each other in over a decade. The changing landscape of college conferences now promises more frequent matchups between these two teams, initially in the WCC and later as part of the revamped Pac-12.
Key takeaways from the matchup include the struggles of Washington State’s head coach David Riley, who has dealt with injuries impacting key players during his first season. Despite this challenge, he has maintained a competitive record of 4-4 in high-stakes Quad 1 and 2 games. Meanwhile, Gonzaga head coach Mark Few’s squad demonstrated resilience; despite a shaky start, they showcased their superiority in the second half and marked a strong performance, with every player scoring at least eight points except for Michael Ajayi.
A pivotal moment in the game occurred when the home crowd erupted as Ryan Nembhard and Hickman connected on successive three-pointers midway through the second half, leading to a scoring streak of nine consecutive baskets that expanded Gonzaga’s lead to 22 points.
Statistically, Gonzaga’s success can be attributed partly to their dominance in securing additional possessions, amassing 11 offensive rebounds and forcing 16 turnovers from the opposition.
Looking ahead, Washington State is set to play against San Diego on Thursday evening, while Gonzaga will travel to face Oregon State the same night.
