In a commanding display of teamwork and offensive prowess, the Gonzaga Bulldogs overwhelmed the Pepperdine Waves with a 107-55 victory on February 15, 2025, at the McCarthey Athletic Center. This win not only showcased Gonzaga’s dominance but also saw the team set a new school record with an impressive 33 assists, underscoring their unselfish play and cohesive strategy.

 

The game commenced with guard Khalif Battle igniting the offense, sinking consecutive three-pointers and setting an aggressive tone. Battle’s performance was stellar throughout, leading all scorers with 24 points, including four shots from beyond the arc. Reflecting on the team’s performance, Battle emphasized the collective effort, stating, “It’s a credit to the guys we got, playing unselfish basketball, and I think that’s a great brand of basketball to play.” citeturn0search0

 

Point guard Ryan Nembhard was instrumental in orchestrating the Bulldogs’ fluid offense, dishing out 11 assists in just 22 minutes of play. His court vision and decision-making were pivotal in breaking the previous single-game assist record of 32, set in 1980 against Loyola Marymount. Nembhard’s performance also propelled him past BYU’s Kyle Collinsworth for the single-season record for assists in West Coast Conference (WCC) games, amassing 137 assists over 14 games. citeturn0search0

 

Head coach Mark Few lauded his team’s selfless play and adherence to the game plan. He remarked, “As I told them in the [locker room], that’s a really special accomplishment because it shows you’re making the right basketball play. It shows you’re being a great teammate and you’re sharing it and doing what we kind of ask of them—keep that ball moving.” citeturn0search0

 

The Bulldogs’ offensive efficiency was evident, with the team shooting a remarkable 60% from the field in the first half and maintaining consistent pressure throughout the game. Their defensive efforts were equally commendable, limiting Pepperdine’s leading scorers, Moe Odum and Stefan Todorovic, to a combined 15 points. This defensive tenacity translated into offensive opportunities, as Gonzaga outscored Pepperdine 18-0 in fast-break points. citeturn0search4

 

This victory extended Gonzaga’s streak of consecutive 20-win seasons to 28, highlighting the program’s sustained excellence. The Bulldogs (20-7, 11-3 WCC) remain in second place in the conference standings, trailing Saint Mary’s by two games. Looking ahead, Gonzaga is set to face Washington State University, followed by a crucial matchup against conference leader Saint Mary’s. citeturn0search0

 

The game also marked Gonzaga’s 49th consecutive win over Pepperdine, tying Syracuse’s streak over Colgate from 1963 to 2019 for the second-longest in Division I history. UCLA holds the record with 52 consecutive wins over California from 1961 to 1985. citeturn0search0

 

In summary, Gonzaga’s resounding victory over Pepperdine was a testament to their unselfish play, strategic execution, and defensive intensity. The team’s ability to share the ball and involve multiple players in scoring not only led to a record-setting performance but also reinforced their reputation for playing “a great brand of basketball,” as Coach Few aptly described.

 

For more insights from Coach Mark Few on this remarkable game, you can watch his post-game interview below:

 

videoGonzaga’s Mark Few post Pepperdineturn0search6