SPKANE, Wash. – The Gonzaga Bulldogs put on a remarkable show, defeating the Oregon State Beavers 98-60 inside the McCarthey Athletic Center on Tuesday night. The victory came swift and decisive, allowing Gonzaga to avenge their earlier loss to the Beavers during the season and exhibiting marked improvements since then.
From the onset, the Bulldogs asserted their dominance. Khalif Battle emerged as the standout performer, scoring 23 points, with 19 of those coming in the first half alone. His shooting was efficient; he shot 4-of-5 from the floor and 3-of-4 from beyond the arc, alongside making 12 of 13 free throw attempts. "Can't wait to get to Moraga," Battle expressed with palpable excitement following the game, hinting at the team's anticipation for their next challenge.
Gonzaga controlled the first half, launching themselves to an early advantage with significant contributions from Graham Ike, who added 22 points, shooting 10-of-12 from the field. The Bulldogs opened with compelling aggressiveness, building up momentum with runs of 13-3 and concluding the first half on a breathtaking 16-3 run, leading the contest 50-30 as the teams headed to the locker room.
Not to be overlooked, Michael Ajayi notched his first double-double of the season, contributing 15 points and securing 10 rebounds. The Bulldogs outscored Oregon State by 48-15 in bench points, showcasing depth and versatility within their lineup.
Oregon State's performance fell short, shooting just 38.2% from the floor compared to Gonzaga's 55%. Michael Rataj was the Beavers' leading scorer with 15 points, but the team struggled to match Gonzaga’s intensity and scoring efficiency.
Throughout the game, Gonzaga turned 13 Oregon State turnovers, often capitalizing on fast breaks, resulting in 23-4 points off turnovers—adding another layer of dominance to their performance. Nolan Hickman also shined, particularly with his long-range shooting, as he made four of his six attempts from three-point range, totaling 16 points.
By the end of the game, Gonzaga’s largest lead had ballooned to 40 points, signaling just how well they executed their game plan. This clash at home served as a stark reminder of their capabilities, especially following the disappointment suffered at the hands of Oregon State only 12 days prior.
Looking forward, the Bulldogs will next face conference leader Saint Mary's on February 1, setting the stage for what promises to be another thrilling encounter. The Beavers, meanwhile, will have several days to regroup before hosting Washington State on February 6. With this emphatic victory, Gonzaga aims to maintain their upward momentum and reassert their status as contenders as the season progresses.