LAS VEGAS – The Gonzaga Bulldogs continue to make history in the West Coast Conference, powering their way into both the men's and women's basketball championship games after a triumphant night at Orleans Arena. On March 9, 2026, Gonzaga's men's and women's squads each delivered commanding semifinal victories, setting the stage for a tournament finale that has fans and analysts buzzing.
For the men, it was a familiar script: dominance, resilience, and a touch of drama. The top-seeded Bulldogs dispatched Oregon State 65-56, securing their 29th consecutive appearance in the WCC title game. Led by the ever-reliable Graham Ike, who poured in 24 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, Gonzaga flexed its championship pedigree from the opening tip. "He's a phenomenal coach. I've been able to see it firsthand over the years," Gonzaga coach Mark Few said of Oregon State's Wayne Tinkle after the game, underscoring the mutual respect between two seasoned leaders.
Gonzaga wasted no time seizing control, racing out to a 6-0 lead and later stringing together an 11-0 run to build a commanding 21-6 advantage just over 11 minutes in. Oregon State, to their credit, refused to fold. The Beavers, led by Jorge Diaz Graham's 15 points, nine rebounds, and four blocks, clawed back with a 7-0 burst to narrow the gap to 46-37 early in the second half. But every time Oregon State threatened, Gonzaga had an answer. Tyon Grant-Foster delivered back-to-back baskets to restore order, and Davis Fogle contributed nine points and six rebounds off the bench, showcasing the Bulldogs' enviable depth.
Defense was the name of the game for Gonzaga, as they held the Beavers to just 33.9 percent shooting from the field and 24 percent from beyond the arc. The Bulldogs also dominated the fast-break battle, outscoring Oregon State 16-0 in transition. "You got one of our best defensive efforts of the year, and it was just based on our massive respect for you," Few told Tinkle in a heartfelt midcourt embrace after the final buzzer. The Beavers' Noah Amenhauser chipped in 11 points off the bench, while Josiah Lake II contributed eight points and four assists in a losing effort.
Gonzaga's victory not only extended their WCC dominance but also put them one win away from a 22nd tournament title in the last 28 seasons. Their next opponent? Third-seeded Santa Clara, who stunned No. 2 Saint Mary's 76-71 in the late semifinal. The championship game is set for March 10, with an automatic NCAA Tournament berth on the line.
Meanwhile, the Gonzaga women's team was equally impressive, steamrolling Santa Clara 88-60 in their semifinal clash. The Bulldogs, the No. 2 seed, advanced to face No. 4 seed Oregon State in a rematch of last year's conference tournament semifinal. The Zags' offensive firepower was on full display, as they shot a scorching 56 percent from the field and an eye-popping 64 percent from three-point range. Their dominance inside was just as pronounced, outscoring Santa Clara 48-28 in the paint and outrebounding the Broncos 50-32.
West Coast Conference Player and Freshman of the Year Lauren Whittaker led Gonzaga with 16 points and nine rebounds, narrowly missing a double-double. Allie Turner added 17 points, four rebounds, and four assists, while Zeryhia Aokuso and Lauren Whitaker (again) each contributed 16 points and nine boards. Jaiden Haile posted a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, and Teryn Gardner chipped in 11 points, rounding out a balanced Bulldogs attack.
Santa Clara showed early fight, opening the game with a 7-0 run, but cold shooting quickly became their undoing. The Broncos missed 13 straight shots in the first quarter, and Gonzaga capitalized with a 10-0 run to take a 17-15 lead after the opening period. The second quarter saw the Bulldogs break the game open with a 14-0 burst, eventually leading 46-26 at halftime. Santa Clara's shooting woes continued, finishing the half at just 20 percent (7-for-35) and the game at 26.8 percent (19-for-71), including 5-for-28 from beyond the arc.
Ashley Hawkins led Santa Clara with 17 points, while Ava Schmidt added 14 points and six rebounds. Maia Jones contributed 13 points, and Delainey Miller finished with eight points and eight boards. Hawkins also reached a personal milestone, recording her 207th assist of the season—second most in program history. Despite their struggles, the Broncos forced 20 turnovers and converted them into a 25-13 edge in points off turnovers, showing grit even as the game slipped away.
The Bulldogs' relentless pace and efficiency, however, proved too much. Two separate 7-0 runs in the fourth quarter blew the game wide open, allowing Gonzaga to cruise into the championship game. "We've had so many great wins down here and good times celebrating after the wins," coach Mark Few reflected on the tournament's significance. But he quickly shifted focus: "The biggest thing I want to get out of here is healthy. But at the same time, hey, there's two really good teams out there playing. We'll have to play great to get it done tomorrow."
For the men, the win was especially poignant, as it may have marked the end of Wayne Tinkle's tenure as Oregon State's head coach. Dismissed on February 26 but finishing out the season, Tinkle's leadership was lauded by Few, who called him a "great human being and a great coach." The two shared a long embrace at midcourt, a moment of sportsmanship that resonated with fans and players alike.
Gonzaga's dual semifinal victories underscore the program's sustained excellence and adaptability, especially as both squads prepare to join a reimagined Pac-12 conference in the coming seasons. With a shot at more hardware and NCAA Tournament berths on the line, the Bulldogs' faithful have every reason to be excited for what's next.
As the WCC championships approach, all eyes will be on Gonzaga to see if they can add another chapter to their storied legacy. For now, the Bulldogs are right where they want to be: on the brink of history, with everything still to play for in Las Vegas.