The first true test on the loaded 2025 non-conference schedule for the No. 21 Gonzaga Bulldogs will come in a ‘neutral’ environment, but will essentially have the feeling of a home game. The Zags lead the all-time series, 3-1, and won the last meeting, 87-81, in the second round of the 2021 NCAA Tournament.
This looks to be Oklahoma Sooners coach Porter Moser’s most talented and deep team since taking the job back in 2021. The loss of now New Orleans Pelicans guard Jeremiah Fears to the 2025 NBA Draft
hurt, but Moser found replacements in the backcourt through the transfer portal. He acquired senior guard Nijel Pack (Miami Hurricanes) and sophomore guard Xzayvier Brown (Saint Joseph’s Hawks), who each have a proven track record.
Senior forward Mohamed Wague is one of just two players who returned from last season’s Oklahoma group. At 6-10 from Bronx, New York, he’s being given more responsibility by Moser.
“There’s not a lot of guys that you say you feed off the center’s energy. It’s just not something you naturally say over years. And our guys feed off of Mo’s energy.” – Oklahoma coach Porter Moser after 102-66 victory against Saint Francis Red Flash
Wague is in for a long night against Gonzaga’s frontcourt, one of the best in the country. Moser discussed the size of Graham Ike and Braden Huff on the “Tyler Neal is Checking In” podcast.
“These are like SEC bigs, or even better. Ike is one of the best bigs in the country. You just don’t see a lot of teams pound it inside to two guys as much as the Zags.” – Oklahoma coach Porter Moser via “Tyler Neal is Checking In” podcast
Player to Watch For:
Senior guard Nijel Pack
Pack has been around the college basketball block with stints with the Kansas State Wildcats and Miami Hurricanes before moving to Norman. He’s looking to bounce back after his 2024-25 season was cut short due to a season-ending foot injury suffered in December.
He finished with 16 points on 50.0 field goal percentage/44.4 three-point percentage, three rebounds, three assists, three blocks, and no turnovers in the season-opening 102-66 win against Saint Francis Red Flash.
Keys to the Game:
Force-fed Ike, Huff
The frontcourt duo must make their presence inside the paint known from the jump in this one. The chemistry between these two has grown exceptionally since 2023-24. Around the basket, the pair must finish through contact on the low-block and draw fouls. Especially against Wague, who has had foul issues over his career.
Win the rebounding battle
Coming off a 56-27 rebounding advantage (including 19 offensive boards) in the 98-43 win over the Texas Southern Tigers, Gonzaga needs to continue their success on the glass against a tall Oklahoma squad (eight players over 6-7 on the roster). 6-10 Wague grabbed 10 rebounds in his first game of the season and will be a handful for even Gonzaga’s bigs. Continuous bumping and bruising, 100 percent effort when boxing out will be needed to eliminate second-chance opportunities.
Play physical out on the perimeter
The perimeter defense has vastly improved compared to the last few teams in Spokane. Pack and Brown are the first exceptional three-point snipers that this group will go up against. Pack has shot 40.4 percent from beyond the arc over 123 games played in his career, Brown at 37.7 percent over 68 appearances.
The likes of veterans Tyon Grant-Foster, Emmanuel Innocenti, and Jalen Warley must be in their face every time they’re out on the floor. Use that length and defensive pedigree out on the wing to Gonzaga’s advantage.
Betting Odds:
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Gonzaga is the favorite by 10.5 points. The moneyline for the Zags is -650 and +460 for the Sooners. The over/under is set at 163.5.
Arden Cravalho is a Gonzaga University graduate from the Bay Area… Follow him on X @a_cravalho
