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  • No. 9 Gonzaga Overpowers Washington State As Graham Ike Records Another Double‑Double

No. 9 Gonzaga Overpowers Washington State As Graham Ike Records Another Double‑Double

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Basketball

(BCSNN) — No. 9 Gonzaga didn’t just beat Washington State on Thursday night - the Bulldogs imposed their will in every meaningful phase of the game, rolling to an 86-65 win and extending their win streak to 11 games.

Graham Ike was unstoppable, posting 23 points and 11 rebounds for his second straight double‑double and his 11th of the season. He scored eight points in the final five minutes of the first half, then poured in 13 more after the break as Gonzaga (18-1, 6-0 WCC) repeatedly punished Washington State inside.

Even without forward Braden Huff, Gonzaga completely controlled the frontcourt, outscoring the Cougars 52-12 in the paint. Washington State managed just 8 of 24 shooting inside the arc, repeatedly smothered by Gonzaga’s size, physicality, and rim protection.

The Bulldogs also dominated the glass with a 43-29 rebounding advantage, turning those boards into 19 second‑chance points. Washington State attempted 16 fewer field goals, a reflection of Gonzaga’s relentless pressure and the Cougars’ inability to generate clean looks.

Washington State (8-11, 3-3) briefly hung around thanks to hot perimeter shooting. Simon Hildebrandt and Ace Glass each hit three straight threes in the first half, and the Cougars opened 8‑for‑15 from deep. But once Gonzaga tightened its defense, the game shifted decisively. A 15-3 run to close the half erased any momentum WSU had built and exposed the gap between the teams.

From there, Gonzaga overwhelmed the Cougars with pace, physicality, and execution. The Bulldogs forced 17 turnovers, converting them into 27 points, repeatedly turning WSU mistakes into easy baskets.

Hildebrandt, Glass, and Jerone Morton each scored 16 for Washington State, but their production couldn’t offset the lopsided interior battle or the turnover disparity.

The win marks Gonzaga’s eighth straight victory over Washington State and its 15th under head coach Mark Few. Despite leading the all‑time series 98-55, the Cougars haven’t beaten Gonzaga at home since 2010 - and on Thursday, they never looked close.

Next up, Gonzaga remains on the road as the Zags travel to Seattle University on Saturday. Meanwhile, Washington State visits San Francisco on Sunday.