The Gonzaga men’s basketball team is off to a strong start this season, boasting an undefeated record of 3-0 in West Coast Conference (WCC) play, which has elevated them to No. 18 in the Associated Press Top 25 poll. They climbed one spot after notching three wins, including a tense 89-82 victory over Pepperdine and dominating performances against Portland and Loyola Marymount.
With now a record of 12-4 overall, the Zags demonstrated their shooting prowess, especially from beyond the arc, where they shot 45.8% and 43.8% from three-point range against Portland and Loyola Marymount, respectively. This marks well above their season average of 34.6%. These victories were not just necessary for maintaining their winning streak; they were also pivotal for their ranking as the Zags attempt to forge their path through WCC play.
Head coach Mark Few's squad has encountered stiff competition this season but remains undeterred. Their recent win against Loyola Marymount on Saturday night showcased their offensive firepower, with Graham Ike scoring 27 points and Khalif Battle contributing 26 points—both putting up impressive shooting performances. Ike achieved 12 of 16 from the field, and Battle was successful on 10 of 12 attempts, including four from three-point range, providing the Bulldogs not only strong scoring from reliable shooters but also depth.
Michael Ajayi aided the offensive push with 15 points, and Ryan Nembhard's 10 points, 11 assists, and six rebounds highlighted just how well-rounded the team is this year. The Zags' performance at Loyola Marymount was commanding; they led by 18 points at halftime and continued to disrupt the Lions' offense, which has now lost 13 straight home games against Gonzaga.
The victory reinforced Gonzaga's dominance over LMU, marking their 33rd win against 35 meetings over the last decade, with their overall record now standing at 50-4 during Mark Few's tenure. The head coach has built his program on consistent performance and winning traditions, and their current season reflects these values.
During the game, the Zags showed noticeable discipline on both ends of the court. They shot 52.8% for the game and led significantly, controlling the pace and rhythm of the match. Gonzaga capitalized on turnovers, scoring 17 points from LMU's 14 turnovers, which is indicative of their defensive prowess. On the contrary, Loyola Marymount struggled to find their footing, shooting just 38.2% from the field.
Looking at the standings, Gonzaga faces limited competition within the WCC, as no other teams garnered votes this week, even among strong teams like Saint Mary’s and Washington State. Their undefeated streak may allow them to quietly gather momentum, but the Bulldogs' challenge continues with looming matchups: they return to Spokane to host San Diego on Wednesday, followed by Washington State on Saturday.
Earlier this season, there were hurdles, including non-conference losses (notably to UCLA), but Gonzaga seems to have found its rhythm at the right time. It remains to be seen how deep their bench can go and how they plan to make the most of their remaining WCC schedule with increased stakes.
Through the initial weeks, the Zags have proven themselves to be competitive and remain committed to improving their ranking. Coach Few noted, "They’re the No. 1 team in the country for a reason," summarizing the competitive nature of college basketball this season.< /p>
The engagement and drive exhibited by this group of players have not only bolstered their team spirit but have also invigorated fans as they look toward the prospect of extending their conference streak. Gonzaga's recent performances promise excitement as the season progresses, making them a team to keep on the radar as they push toward postseason play.