The last time the Gonzaga Bulldogs didn’t make it to the West Coast Conference (WCC) Tournament championship was way back in 1997. That’s a streak older than some of their fans in the stands. This year, the Zags continued their dominance with a semifinal win against the Oregon State Beavers, showcasing their trademark defensive intensity.
The Orleans Arena in Las Vegas was packed with Gonzaga supporters, turning it into a sea of blue and white. Despite some fans missing the opening tip due to long lines, the energy inside was electric.
Senior wing Jalen Warley made a much-anticipated return after a quad injury. Coach Mark Few wasted no time, putting him back in the starting lineup. Warley looked sharp, even converting a slick alley-oop, showing no signs of rust.
In promising injury news, redshirt junior Braden Huff was seen walking without crutches or a boot, hinting at a potential return for the NCAA Tournament.
The game started slowly on offense for both teams, but Gonzaga controlled the tempo with their transition game. Freshman guard Mario Saint-Supery was a standout, pushing the pace and racking up points and steals. His fearless play even led him into the Beavers' cheerleaders, adding a light-hearted moment to the game.
Off the bench, redshirt junior Braeden Smith provided steady leadership. His calm demeanor and efficient play will be crucial in the championship game.
Graham Ike was the offensive powerhouse, dominating the paint with his signature leftie hook. Oregon State's frontcourt had no answer for Ike, who posted a game-high 24 points and 11 rebounds, marking his 14th double-double of the season. With this performance, Ike joined an elite group of players surpassing 2,500 career points.
Graduate guard Adam Miller brought energy and poise, hitting a buzzer-beater to close the first half. His recent surge in confidence has been a game-changer for Gonzaga, making him a key player as they head into March Madness.
Defensively, the Zags were relentless. Freshman wing Davis Fogle and junior wing Emmanuel Innocenti were particularly impactful, contributing to the Beavers' 12 turnovers and poor shooting from beyond the arc.
Both teams struggled from three-point range, with Gonzaga hitting just 21% of their attempts. This has been a recurring issue, and it’s something they’ll need to address as they move forward.
For Oregon State, junior guard Josiah Lake II had a tough outing, unable to find his rhythm in what was coach Wayne Tinkle’s final game. Tinkle, dismissed in February, ended his tenure with a record of 176-206.
The coaching carousel was in full swing across the WCC, with changes at Pepperdine, San Diego, and Washington State, highlighting a day of upheaval for conference coaches.
In the other semifinal, Santa Clara pulled off an upset over Saint Mary’s, setting up a championship clash that doesn’t feature Saint Mary’s for the first time since 2021. Coach Herb Sendek’s 600th career win secured Santa Clara’s first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1996.
The championship game is set for 6:00 p.m. PT on ESPN.
A win could earn Gonzaga a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament, while a loss might drop them to a No. 4 seed. The stakes are high, and the excitement is palpable.