No. 6 Gonzaga hosts Saint Mary's in top WCC showdown

Graham Ike expected to return for Bulldogs after missing last three games

Jan. 31, 2026 at 1:15am

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No. 6 Gonzaga (21-1, 9-0) hosts longtime West Coast Conference rival Saint Mary's (19-3, 8-1) on Saturday in a matchup of the top two teams in the conference. Gonzaga has won 14 straight games and is looking to maintain its perfect WCC record, while Saint Mary's is aiming to snap that streak. The Bulldogs are expected to get leading scorer Graham Ike back after he missed the last three games.

Why it matters

This is a crucial conference matchup between two of the top programs in the WCC, who have combined to win or share the last 24 regular-season WCC titles. Gonzaga and Saint Mary's have met 29 times over the past decade, making it one of the fiercest rivalries in college basketball. The outcome of this game could have major implications for the WCC regular-season title race.

The details

Gonzaga is led by Ike, who averages 18.1 points and 8.8 rebounds per game, and Tyon Grant-Foster, who scores 11.5 points per game. Saint Mary's is paced by Paulius Murauskas, a 6-foot-8 junior forward averaging 19.3 points and 7.5 rebounds. The Gaels play a physical, defensive-minded style that has given Gonzaga trouble in the past.

  • Gonzaga and Saint Mary's tip off at 7 p.m. PT on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
  • Gonzaga has won 14 straight games heading into this matchup.

The players

Graham Ike

Gonzaga's leading scorer and rebounder, who is expected to return to the lineup after missing the last three games.

Paulius Murauskas

A 6-foot-8 junior forward for Saint Mary's, averaging 19.3 points and 7.5 rebounds per game.

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What’s next

The outcome of this game could have major implications for the WCC regular-season title race, with the winner taking a significant step towards claiming the conference crown.

The takeaway

This matchup between two of the top programs in the West Coast Conference is a must-watch game for college basketball fans, as Gonzaga and Saint Mary's have developed one of the fiercest rivalries in the sport over the past decade.