Gonzaga's high-powered offense was on full display as they routed Washington State 86-65 at Beasley Coliseum. The Bulldogs' dominant performance was led by Graham Ike, who put on a show with 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists. Ike's impressive all-around game set the tone for Gonzaga, which never trailed in the contest.
Washington State, despite a valiant effort, was unable to keep pace with the Bulldogs' relentless attack. The Cougars were led by a trio of players - Simon Hildebrandt, Jerone Morton, and Ace Glass - who each scored 16 points. However, their combined efforts were not enough to overcome Gonzaga's balanced scoring and stifling defense.
The Bulldogs took control of the game early, racing out to a 43-33 halftime lead. Gonzaga's offense continued to click in the second half, as they matched their first-half total with 43 more points. The Cougars, on the other hand, were unable to muster a significant run, and their deficit only grew as the game wore on.
Gonzaga's victory was a reflection of their depth and talent, as they improved to 21-1 on the season. The Bulldogs' performance was particularly impressive given the challenges of playing on the road, where they have now won several games this season. Ike's standout game was the latest example of his emergence as one of the top players in the country.
For Washington State, the loss dropped them to 9-13, but the game still holds significant value as a Quadrant 1 opportunity. Although the Cougars came up short, they can take solace in the fact that they were able to hang with one of the nation's top teams for a significant portion of the game. Hildebrandt's 16 points were a highlight for the Cougars, who want to build on this experience as they continue their season.
This result will have implications for both teams' tournament resumes. For Gonzaga, the win is another notch in their belt, solidifying their position as one of the top teams in the country. The Bulldogs' Quad 3 win will not significantly impact their NET ranking, which currently sits at 4. On the other hand, Washington State's Quad 1 loss will not hurt their NET ranking of 150 too much, but it does highlight the challenges they face in terms of strength of schedule. As the season wears on, the Cougars must capitalize on their remaining opportunities to bolster their tournament chances. For now, Gonzaga's dominant win serves as a reminder of their status as a national title contender.