Grit and Growth: Short-Handed Gonzaga Climbs to No. 6 in AP Poll, UW Women Hold Steady at No. 25
When a team loses its top two scorers, most programs would be bracing for impact. But Gonzaga? They’re leaning into the challenge-and climbing the rankings while they’re at it.
The Bulldogs jumped two spots to No. 6 in this week’s AP Top 25 men’s basketball poll, and it’s not hard to see why. After improving to 21-1 overall and a perfect 9-0 in West Coast Conference play, Gonzaga continues to show the kind of depth and resilience that separates contenders from pretenders.
And they’ve done it the hard way.
For the past four games, the Zags have been without 6-foot-10 forward Braden Huff, who was leading the team in scoring before a knee injury sidelined him on Jan. 15.
The timeline? A projected 4-8 weeks.
That alone would be a major blow for most teams. But then came another hit-current leading scorer Graham Ike, the 6-foot-9 forward and interior anchor, has missed the last three games with an ankle injury.
So how does a team keep winning when it loses that much firepower? For Gonzaga, it’s been about trust in their system-and a next-man-up mentality that’s paid off.
Enter Davis Fogle. The 6-foot-7 freshman from Anacortes has stepped up in a big way off the bench, averaging 15 points per game in the three contests Ike has missed. He’s not just filling in-he’s thriving, giving the Bulldogs a spark with his length, scoring touch, and poise beyond his years.
The Zags haven’t just survived this stretch-they’ve looked sharp doing it, with wins over Pepperdine and San Francisco that kept their conference record unblemished. And now, the road gets tougher.
Circle the calendar: Saturday night, 7:30 p.m. PT.
Gonzaga hosts Saint Mary’s in what could be the biggest test of their WCC slate. The Gaels are 19-3 overall and 8-1 in conference play, and they always bring the intensity when facing their Spokane rivals.
With Huff and Ike still working their way back, this matchup will be a true test of Gonzaga’s depth and defensive discipline.
Top of the Men’s AP Poll
No changes at the very top: Arizona, UConn, and Michigan held firm in the top three. Duke edged up to No. 4, while Nebraska made a two-spot leap to No. 5-just ahead of the surging Zags.
Women’s AP Top 25: UW Holds the Line at No. 25
On the women’s side, the Washington Huskies continue to hang tough in the national conversation. UW stayed at No. 25 in the latest AP rankings after a convincing 81-65 win over Penn State, improving to 15-4 overall and 5-3 in Big Ten play.
That win was their only game of the week, but the schedule ahead is no joke.
The Huskies hit the road for a Monday showdown with Rutgers (9-10, 1-7), then face a stiff challenge Wednesday at No. 16 Maryland (17-4, 5-4).
After that? A return to Seattle for two more Big Ten battles-first against Illinois (15-5, 5-4) on Sunday, then a marquee matchup versus No.
11 Ohio State (18-3, 7-2) on Thursday, Feb. 5.
It’s a stretch that will test Washington’s depth, stamina, and ability to close out tight games-something they’ve done well so far this season.
Top of the Women’s AP Poll
UConn remains undefeated and unshaken at No. 1, with UCLA holding steady at No. 2.
South Carolina slipped to No. 3 after a dramatic overtime loss to No. 10 Oklahoma-a reminder that even the top-tier teams can get caught if they’re not sharp for 40 minutes.
Final Word
January is where contenders start to separate from the pack-and both Gonzaga and UW are showing they’re built for the long haul. Whether it’s the Zags grinding out wins without their stars or the Huskies navigating a Big Ten gauntlet, both programs are proving that rankings aren’t just about talent-they’re about toughness, too.