Gonzaga Dominates Washington State 86-65 with Ike's Double-Double Power

Game Recap

PULLMAN, Wash. — On Thursday night, the No. 9 Gonzaga Bulldogs delivered a commanding performance, defeating the Washington State Cougars 86-65. Graham Ike showcased his elite talent with 23 points and 11 rebounds, marking his second consecutive double-double and his 11th of the season, solidifying his standing as a key player in the West Coast Conference (WCC).

The First Half

The game began with a slower tempo, which belied the high-octane offense that would soon emerge. Ike stepped up in the final minutes before halftime, scoring eight crucial points within five minutes, making the score an impressive turnaround as the Bulldogs closed the first half on a 15-3 run, flipping the momentum dramatically.

Statistical Highlights

• Inside Scoring: The Bulldogs dominated the paint, outscoring the Cougars 52-12.
• Rebounding: Gonzaga grabbed 43 rebounds against Washington State's 29, a testament to their physical play.
• Turnovers: The Cougars struggled with ball security, allowing Gonzaga to capitalize by scoring 27 points off 17 turnovers.

Players to Watch

Simon Hildebrandt, Ace Glass, and Jerone Morton led Washington State, each scoring 16 points, with Hildebrandt notably draining multiple three-pointers to keep his team close in the first half. However, their effort fell short as Gonzaga's defensive adjustments prevailed.

A Coach's Insight

As a sports reporter, I find it crucial to highlight not just the scores but the strategic execution behind the victory. Gonzaga's adjustments were key; they executed well on both ends of the court, especially in limiting Washington State's interior scoring while maximizing their own rebounding capabilities.

Looking Ahead

Gonzaga, now boasting an impressive 18-1 record and an undefeated 6-0 in the WCC, will face Seattle University next. Meanwhile, Washington State (8-11, 3-3) will aim to regroup against San Francisco. The question remains: can they bounce back or will the Bulldogs continue their surge?

Quote: "Gonzaga is not just a good team; they're proving they can be great by dominating opponents both physically and strategically."

Final Thoughts

This victory not only extends Gonzaga's win streak but also sends a message to the rest of the NCAA: under coach Mark Few, they're ready to contend for national honors. Each game is a building block toward the championship, and they seem to be on the right path.