What's Happening?
Gonzaga's basketball team, ranked No. 6, secured a 73-65 victory over Saint Mary's in their final West Coast Conference meeting at the McCarthey Athletic Center. Graham Ike, returning from a three-game
absence due to an ankle injury, led Gonzaga with 30 points. The Bulldogs, now 22-1 overall and 10-0 in conference play, extended their winning streak to 15 games. Jalen Warley contributed 10 points and seven rebounds, while Emmanuel Innocenti added 10 points in the second half. Saint Mary's, led by Joshua Dent with 16 points, held a four-point lead at halftime but was unable to maintain it. This game marked the last conference matchup between the two teams in Spokane, as Gonzaga will join the revamped Pac-12 next season.
Why It's Important?
The victory solidifies Gonzaga's dominance in the West Coast Conference and highlights their readiness for the upcoming transition to the Pac-12. Graham Ike's return and performance are crucial for Gonzaga as they prepare for tougher competition. The game also underscores the competitive rivalry between Gonzaga and Saint Mary's, a key fixture in college basketball. For Saint Mary's, the loss is a setback in their pursuit of conference supremacy, but their strong performance indicates potential for future success. The outcome of this game could influence seeding and expectations in the NCAA tournament, impacting both teams' strategies moving forward.
What's Next?
Gonzaga will face Portland in their next game, while Saint Mary's will host San Diego. Both teams will continue to compete in the West Coast Conference, with Gonzaga aiming to maintain their unbeaten record. The upcoming games will be critical for both teams as they seek to secure favorable positions in the conference standings and prepare for the NCAA tournament. The final regular-season matchup between Gonzaga and Saint Mary's in California on February 28 will be another significant test for both teams.
