No. 9 Gonzaga avenges loss to Portland, grabs share of WCC title

Bulldogs clinch top seed in conference tournament with 89-48 victory

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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No. 9 Gonzaga clinched the top seed in the West Coast Conference tournament as well as at least a share of the regular-season title with an 89-48 victory against Portland on Wednesday in Spokane, Washington. Graham Ike led the Bulldogs with 19 points, 8 rebounds, and a career-high 7 steals, while Braeden Smith added 15 points on 6-for-6 shooting. The win avenged Gonzaga's lone conference loss of the season to Portland on February 4.

Why it matters

Gonzaga's victory secures their position as the top team in the WCC, setting them up for a strong postseason run. The Bulldogs' ability to avenge their earlier loss to Portland demonstrates their resilience and ability to make adjustments.

The details

Gonzaga was dominant on defense, forcing 22 turnovers while allowing just 17 field goals. The Bulldogs shot 52.4% from the field, while limiting Portland to 34.7%. Ike scored 12 points in the first half as Gonzaga took a 36-21 lead. The Bulldogs responded to an early 15-12 deficit with a 16-0 run, sparked by Ike and Braeden Smith, to take the lead for good. Portland went scoreless for a stretch of 7:22 and was held without a field goal for 8:59 during the first half.

  • Gonzaga clinched the top seed in the WCC tournament on February 26, 2026.
  • Gonzaga avenged their lone conference loss of the season to Portland, which occurred on February 4, 2026.

The players

Graham Ike

A key player for Gonzaga, scoring 19 points, grabbing 8 rebounds, and recording a career-high 7 steals in the game.

Braeden Smith

Scored 15 points on 6-for-6 shooting for the Bulldogs.

Joel Foxwell

Led Portland with 12 points in the game.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

Gonzaga's dominant performance against Portland, which included avenging their earlier loss, solidifies their position as the top team in the WCC and sets them up for a strong postseason run. The Bulldogs' defensive intensity and balanced scoring attack were key factors in the victory.