Gonzaga Defeats Santa Clara, Maintains WCC Lead & All-American Push

Bulldogs' victory reasserts their dominance in the West Coast Conference

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

The Gonzaga Bulldogs (25-2, 13-1 WCC) have surged back to the top of the West Coast Conference standings with a hard-fought 94-86 road win against the Santa Clara Broncos (22-6, 13-2 WCC). Graduate forward Graham Ike's dominant performance with 21 points and 13 rebounds, along with a late-game surge from graduate guard Adam Miller, were key factors in Gonzaga's victory.

Why it matters

This win not only reasserts Gonzaga's dominance in the conference but also highlights key players and strategic elements that could define their postseason run. The outcome also suggests the West Coast Conference could secure three bids to the NCAA Tournament, with Gonzaga, Santa Clara, and Saint Mary's all presenting compelling cases for inclusion.

The details

Ike's double-double and Miller's 16 points in the final seven minutes were crucial to Gonzaga's win. The team's overall defensive effort, limiting turnovers to just nine, was also a key factor. Santa Clara's NCAA Tournament hopes remain alive, and their remaining schedule, including a rematch against Saint Mary's, will be critical in determining their tournament fate.

  • Gonzaga's victory was secured on February 14, 2026.
  • Gonzaga's next challenge comes against the San Francisco Dons on February 18th.

The players

Graham Ike

Graduate forward for Gonzaga who finished with 21 points and 13 rebounds, his 13th double-double of the season.

Adam Miller

Graduate guard for Gonzaga who scored 16 of his season-high 21 points in the final seven minutes of the game.

Herb Sendek

Head coach of the Santa Clara Broncos.

Mark Few

Head coach of the Gonzaga Bulldogs.

Tyon Grant-Foster

Graduate wing for Gonzaga who showcased a relentless approach, attacking the rim and securing crucial rebounds.

Emmanuel Innocenti

Junior wing for Gonzaga who contributed 16 points, six rebounds, and two assists.

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What they’re saying

“Ike is clearly one of the best players in all of college basketball.”

— Herb Sendek, Santa Clara head coach (newsy-today.com)

“We must advocate for Graham Ike's inclusion in First or Second Team All-American discussions, as there is a tendency to overlook seasoned performers in favor of freshmen.”

— Mark Few, Gonzaga head coach (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

Gonzaga's next challenge comes against the San Francisco Dons on February 18th. A continued winning streak could position them for a No. 2 seed in the West region of the NCAA Tournament.

The takeaway

Gonzaga's victory over Santa Clara not only reasserts their dominance in the West Coast Conference but also highlights the team's ability to win close games with key contributions from veteran players like Graham Ike and Adam Miller. This win, coupled with Saint Mary's victory, suggests the WCC could secure three bids to the NCAA Tournament, creating an exciting finish to the regular season.