Ike Erupts for Career-High 35 Points as No. 6 Gonzaga Bounces Back Against Oregon State

Graham Ike delivered a dominant performance on Saturday night, pouring in a career-high-tying 35 points to lead No. 6 Gonzaga to an 81-61 victory over Oregon State in Corvallis. The senior center matched his career best set against Denver in December 2021, shooting efficiently from all areas of the floor while pulling down seven rebounds in just his third game back from an ankle sprain that had sidelined him earlier in the season.

The Bulldogs (23-2, 11-1 WCC) entered Gill Coliseum desperate to bounce back after suffering a shocking midweek upset loss to Portland that had snapped their winning streak and raised questions about their focus. Ike provided the emphatic answer, dominating the paint against an Oregon State defense that had no answer for his size, skill, and post moves. Tyon Grant-Foster contributed 15 points in a strong supporting role, while the Bulldogs' trademark ball security was on full display as they matched a program-low with just two turnovers for the entire game.

Oregon State (13-13, 6-7 WCC) came into the contest riding a three-game winning streak and hoping to build momentum in conference play, but the Beavers found themselves overmatched from the opening tip. Isaiah Sy led the home team with 13 points, but Oregon State struggled to contain Gonzaga's offensive execution and couldn't generate enough scoring punch to stay within striking distance once the Bulldogs established their rhythm in the first half.

Ike's performance was particularly impressive given his recent injury history, as the ankle sprain had threatened to derail his senior season just as Gonzaga entered the heart of conference play. His ability to move fluidly in the post, finish through contact, and hit his signature turnaround jumpers demonstrated that he's fully healthy and ready to anchor the Bulldogs' offense as they chase another WCC title and prepare for March Madness.

The victory keeps Gonzaga firmly in control atop the West Coast Conference standings with an 11-1 mark in league play, maintaining their position as the overwhelming favorite to capture yet another conference championship. More importantly, the dominant road performance against a team that had been playing well served as the perfect remedy to the Portland upset, allowing head coach Mark Few to refocus his team on the standards and consistency that have made Gonzaga a perennial national power.

For Oregon State, the loss drops them back to .500 overall and leaves them in the middle of the WCC pack as they continue to navigate their first season in the conference after departing the Pac-12. The Beavers will need to regroup quickly as they face a challenging stretch of conference games in the coming weeks.