Ike matches career best with 35 points, No. 6 Gonzaga beats Oregon State 81-61

Gonzaga forward Graham Ike matched his career-high scoring performance with 35 points to lead the sixth-ranked Bulldogs to a decisive 81-61 victory over Oregon State on Saturday in Spokane, Washington. The dominant performance served as a vital recovery for the Zags, following a surprising midweek upset loss against Portland that threatened their standing in the national rankings. Ike’s efficiency was the centerpiece of the Matildas' offensive strategy, ensuring the team regained its momentum as they navigate the rigorous West Coast Conference schedule. From the opening tip-off, Ike established his presence in the paint, utilizing his physical size and footwork to overwhelm the Oregon State defense. The Beavers struggled to find an answer for the senior forward, who consistently found ways to finish at the rim and draw fouls. Beyond Ike's individual brilliance, Gonzaga displayed a much-improved defensive effort compared to their previous outing, stifling Oregon State's shooters and controlling the rebounding battle to prevent second-chance opportunities. The 20-point margin of victory reflected a return to form for a program consistently viewed as a national title contender. Oregon State attempted to stay competitive through perimeter shooting, but Gonzaga's transition game proved too fast to contain. The Bulldogs utilized the win to stabilize their position in the AP Top 25 poll, proving that the loss to Portland was an anomaly rather than a trend. As the postseason approaches, head coach Mark Few will likely look to this performance as a blueprint for utilizing Ike’s interior scoring to balance the team's high-octane offense. The victory moves Gonzaga forward with renewed confidence as they prepare for higher-stakes conference matchups in the coming weeks.