Gonzaga Hits 25-Win Mark Again, but This One Took a Full-Team Effort
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - It wasn’t always pretty, and it definitely wasn’t easy, but Gonzaga found a way to get it done - again.
With their 94-86 win over Santa Clara on Saturday night, the Zags locked in their 19th straight 25-win season under Mark Few. That’s not just consistency - that’s a dynasty in motion. And with four regular-season games and at least two postseason appearances still ahead, Gonzaga’s eyes are now set on what would be their ninth 30-win season under Few.
But the story of this win wasn’t just about the streak. It was about how they got there - a gritty, all-hands-on-deck performance that showed just how deep and dangerous this team can be when everyone’s locked in.
Graham Ike Keeps Rolling
Let’s start with the anchor. Graham Ike continues to be the heartbeat of this Gonzaga squad, and Saturday was no different.
The All-American candidate poured in 21 points and grabbed 15 boards, marking his seventh straight game with at least 20 points. That puts him on the cusp of tying Derek Raivio’s mark for the most consecutive 20-point games by a Zag in the last two decades - a record he can match Wednesday against San Francisco.
But this wasn’t a one-man show. Far from it.
Tyon Grant-Foster Steps Up Big
When Ike picked up his fourth foul and had to sit late in the second half, Gonzaga needed someone to take the reins. Enter Tyon Grant-Foster.
The senior wing turned in one of his most complete performances of the year, finishing with 20 points, seven rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a block. Thirteen of those points came in the second half, when the Zags needed a spark. And spark he did - attacking the rim, flying in for rebounds, and setting the tone with his energy on both ends.
“It was a heroic effort from Tyon, man. He was everywhere,” Ike said postgame.
“On the boards, flying around on both ends of the floor. That’s him, man, and he can do that every single night.”
Adam Miller Finds His Moment
If you were waiting for Adam Miller to have a breakout moment, this might’ve been it. After a relatively quiet night, Miller came alive in the final seven minutes, scoring 16 of his 21 points down the stretch - including a massive three that helped Gonzaga keep Santa Clara at arm’s length.
It was the kind of late-game takeover that championship-level teams need. And Miller delivered.
The Freshmen Hold Their Own
Don’t sleep on the young guns, either. Davis Fogle gave the Zags a jolt early in the second half with a quick 4-0 run of his own, while Mario Saint-Supery played with poise and control at the point. The freshman guard finished with eight points, five assists, and four rebounds - a stat line that doesn’t scream headline, but shows just how steady he was in a high-pressure environment.
Emmanuel Innocenti: The Glue Guy
And then there’s Emmanuel Innocenti - the kind of player who might not get the spotlight, but whose impact is undeniable. Few made sure to call him out postgame, and rightly so. The junior forward scored 16 points, grabbed six rebounds, and played his usual brand of tough, unselfish basketball.
“Emmanuel was spectacular all game,” Few said. “Defensively, with his cuts, with his offensive rebounds, free throws. It took a village and that’s what we’ve got.”
A Team Built for March?
Mark Few has seen enough March Madness to know what tournament-ready basketball looks like. And while he won’t be in the selection room next month, he made it clear: Santa Clara is no pushover.
“Listen, Santa Clara’s an NCAA Tournament team,” Few said. “Not only a tournament team, but a team that can win a game or games in the tournament. That’s why this is just a heckuva win.”
The Broncos gave Gonzaga all they could handle, staying within striking distance for most of the night and refusing to go quietly. Despite the loss - their first at home this season - they only dropped one spot in the NET rankings, from No. 41 to 42. With a big matchup against Saint Mary’s looming, they’ll have another chance to bolster their résumé.
As for Gonzaga, this was one of those games that doesn’t just build your win total - it builds your character. They had to dig deep, and they did.
Jalen Warley Battles Through Pain
One player who’s been quietly battling is senior wing Jalen Warley. The Virginia transfer was a key contributor during a stretch when Gonzaga was missing one or both of Ike and Braden Huff, averaging double figures in scoring and playing over 30 minutes a night.
But a thigh bruise suffered early in the loss at Portland has clearly slowed him. Warley played just 13 minutes on Saturday, finishing with two points, two rebounds, and two steals. He spent most of the first half pedaling on a stationary bike near the bench, trying to stay loose.
“He’s really hurting, he’s not even practicing,” Few said. “It’s just one of those things that’s going to take awhile.
He’s in a lot of pain. He hasn’t been able to practice, I think it’s starting to affect his wind a little bit.
He was so tired tonight, but he’s a warrior.”
The good news? Gonzaga’s upcoming schedule gives Warley some breathing room. The Zags have three full days off before facing San Francisco at Chase Center, followed by more rest before home games against Pacific and Portland.
Looking Ahead
With the 25-win milestone in the books, Gonzaga is now in position to chase another 30-win season - a mark of excellence that only the elite programs even sniff. But that’s not the focus right now.
The focus is on continuing to build, to sharpen, to get healthy, and to peak at the right time. Because if Saturday night was any indication, this team has the depth, the toughness, and the firepower to make serious noise in March.
And if every dog really does have its day, Gonzaga’s hoping theirs comes when it matters most.