PULLMAN, Wash. (Interstat) — Graham Ike scored 23 points as Gonzaga controlled Washington State from start to finish in an 86-65 men’s basketball victory Thursday night at Beasley Coliseum. The Bulldogs never trailed, leading 43-33 at halftime and maintaining a double-digit advantage throughout the second half. Gonzaga’s defense was stifling, forcing 17 turnovers and converting them into consistent offense. Ike added five assists for Gonzaga, which improved to 18-1. Jalen Warley contributed 11 points for the Bulldogs. Simon Hildebrandt, Ace Glass III and Jerone Morton each scored 16 points for the Cougars, who fell to 8-11. Washington State struggled from the free-throw line, making only 10 of 20 attempts. Gonzaga shot 50 percent from the field and outrebounded the Cougars 17-9 on the offensive glass.

NEBRASKA CITY, Neb. (Interstat) — In a display of defensive dominance and offensive efficiency, the Gonzaga Bulldogs methodically dismantled the Washington State Cougars 86-65 in a nonconference men’s basketball game Thursday night at Beasley Coliseum. The most important part of the game was Gonzaga’s suffocating first-half defense, which set an immediate and irreversible tone. The Bulldogs harassed Washington State into a series of early turnovers, converting them into easy transition baskets to build a commanding lead from which the Cougars never recovered. Gonzaga forced 10 first-half turnovers, recorded eight steals, and held Washington State to just 33 points on the period, establishing a 10-point halftime advantage that only grew after the break. Gonzaga’s Graham Ike, a 6-foot-9 forward from Aurora, Colorado, was the game’s dominant force, scoring 23 points on efficient interior shooting. He was complemented by a balanced backcourt effort, with Jalen Warley adding 11 points and two blocks, and Adam Miller contributing 13 points. For Washington State, Simon Hildebrandt of Winnipeg, Canada, led the way with 16 points, while Ace Glass III and Jerone Morton each added 16. The Bulldogs improved their season record to 18-1, while Washington State fell to 8-11. From the opening tip, Gonzaga’s defensive intensity was palpable. Warley set the tone with a steal and a block within the first five minutes, sparking a 7-0 run that gave the Bulldogs an early 9-5 lead they would never relinquish. Washington State struggled to find any offensive rhythm against Gonzaga’s active hands and disciplined rotations. The Cougars committed 17 turnovers for the game, which the Bulldogs converted into 21 points. Offensively, Gonzaga was ruthlessly efficient, scoring 86 points on just 67 possessions for an offensive rating of 128.2. They shot 50 percent from the field, dominated the paint, and capitalized on 17 offensive rebounds to create 18 second-chance points. Despite Washington State hitting 13 three-pointers, Gonzaga’s interior advantage and ability to control the tempo negated the Cougars’ perimeter success. The Bulldogs’ lead ballooned to 20 points midway through the second half, effectively sealing the outcome. Washington State made several mini-runs, including a stretch where Hildebrandt and Glass connected from deep, but each time Gonzaga answered, often through Ike in the post or with a timely basket from its guards. Statistically, the game was defined by Gonzaga’s control in key areas. They out-assisted Washington State 14-6, out-stole them 14-6, and committed only eight turnovers. The Bulldogs’ ability to generate high-percentage shots and limit Washington State’s opportunities proved to be the decisive formula. Gonzaga, which entered the game as a heavy favorite according to national metrics and betting lines, covered the spread with the 21-point victory. The combined score of 151 points fell under the projected total. The Bulldogs continue their road trip with a game at Seattle on Saturday. Washington State travels to face San Francisco on Sunday. The victory extends Gonzaga’s strong start to the 2026 season, showcasing a blend of offensive firepower and a disruptive defense that has become their hallmark. For Washington State, the loss highlights ongoing struggles with ball security and defensive consistency against top-tier competition.

Preview: Gonzaga Bulldogs at Washington State Cougars NEBRASKA CITY, Neb. (Interstat) — The top-ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs, boasting one of the nation’s most potent offenses, travel to face the Washington State Cougars in a West Coast nonconference men’s basketball matchup Thursday at Beasley Coliseum. Gonzaga (17-1) enters on a 10-game winning streak since its lone defeat, a 101-61 rout at Michigan on Nov. 26. The Bulldogs have averaged 90.1 points during the streak, including an 89-77 victory over Santa Clara last Thursday. They are 6-0 in true road games. Washington State (8-10) looks to build momentum after a hard-fought 88-82 loss at Saint Mary’s last Saturday. The Cougars have shown resilience at home, winning three of their last four at Beasley Coliseum. The spotlight will be on a clash of standout guards. Gonzaga’s Graham Ike has been on a scoring tear, averaging 21.1 points over his last seven games. He erupted for 34 points in 32 minutes against Santa Clara. Washington State will counter with Ace Glass III, who has averaged 18.3 points in his last six contests, including a 24-point performance at Saint Mary’s. The Bulldogs’ dominance is reflected in their results, with an average margin of victory of 24.2 points during their streak. Beyond Ike, Gonzaga has multiple weapons, including Emmanuel Innocenti and Braden Huff, who combined for 25 points against Santa Clara. For the Cougars to challenge, they will need Glass to continue his efficient scoring and point guard Jerone Morton to facilitate after his nine-assist outing against Saint Mary’s. Defense will be paramount; Washington State allows 70.2 points per game, while Gonzaga’s offense leads the nation in field goal percentage. This game is the first of a home-and-home series this season. The teams will meet again in Spokane on Feb. 10. Following this contest, Gonzaga visits Seattle on Saturday. Washington State continues its homestand against San Francisco on Sunday.