In a commanding performance on February 19, 2025, the Gonzaga Bulldogs extended their winning streak over the Washington State Cougars with an 84-63 victory at Beasley Coliseum in Pullman, Washington. Senior guard Nolan Hickman led the charge, scoring a team-high 23 points and dishing out five assists, showcasing his offensive prowess and leadership on the court. citeturn0search0

 

Hickman’s performance was particularly noteworthy for his efficiency from beyond the arc, connecting on 4 of 5 three-point attempts. This display came on the heels of a previous game where he also made 4 of 6 three-pointers, effectively ending a brief shooting slump. His recent surge has elevated his team-leading three-point accuracy to an impressive 45.8% for the season. citeturn0search1

 

The Bulldogs’ offense was further bolstered by forward Graham Ike, who contributed 17 points on 5-of-9 shooting and was a perfect 7-for-7 from the free-throw line. Ike also dominated the boards, securing 13 rebounds to complete a double-double performance. Freshman guard Michael Ajayi added 12 points, demonstrating efficiency by hitting 4 of 6 field goals and converting all four free-throw attempts. citeturn0search0

 

Gonzaga’s bench provided a significant spark, particularly in the first half. Sophomore forward Braden Huff entered the game and immediately impacted the scoreboard, scoring nine consecutive points to help the Bulldogs establish a 20-12 lead. This contribution was crucial in shifting momentum in Gonzaga’s favor early in the contest. citeturn0search4

 

Defensively, the Bulldogs effectively contained the Cougars’ key players. Guard LeJuan Watts led Washington State with 19 points, five assists, and two blocks, while Tomas Thrastarson and Isaiah Watts each added 12 points. Despite these efforts, the Cougars struggled to maintain offensive consistency against Gonzaga’s defensive schemes. citeturn0search0

 

The victory improved Gonzaga’s overall record to 21-7, including a 12-3 mark in the West Coast Conference (WCC). The Bulldogs’ next challenge is a pivotal matchup against conference leader Saint Mary’s, a game with significant implications for the WCC regular-season title race. Meanwhile, Washington State, now 16-12 overall and 6-9 in conference play, will look to rebound as they host Santa Clara in their upcoming game. citeturn0search0

 

This win not only extends Gonzaga’s dominance over their in-state rivals but also serves as a testament to the team’s depth and resilience as they approach the critical final stretch of the regular season.

 

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