The Gonzaga Bulldogs (19-1, 7-0 WCC) have moved up a spot in the AP Poll after the Iowa State Cyclones struggled in Big 12 Conference play. After nearly dropping out of the top-10, Gonzaga stands back at No. 8 after receiving 1,103 total points from the voters.
This previous week’s two in-state road victories were in Pullman over the Washington State Cougars and in Seattle against the Seattle U RedHawks. The Zags outrebounded the Redhawks on Saturday, Jan. 17, 44-24, despite not having their two potential All-American forwards in graduate Graham Ike, who landed awkwardly near the end of the Thursday, Jan. 15, blowout 86-65 win at Beasley Coliseum (right ankle soreness), and redshirt junior Braden Huff (left knee injury in practice earlier last week).
It was the tenth different starting lineup (11 different players plugged in this season) used by coach Mark Few in 2025-26, with seven-foot sophomore center Isamaila Diagne getting his first career start at Climate Pledge Arena. The small-ball lineup thrown out with 6-7 senior wing Jalen Warley at the five spot proved effective. Freshman lead guard Mario Saint-Supery, manufacturing the offense with multiple pick-and-roll lob actions towards the rim, also helped in the 71-50 victory over Seattle U.
The Saint Mary’s Gaels (17-3, 5-1 WCC) received five total points after falling to Bay Area rival Santa Clara Broncos (16-5, 7-1 WCC) at the Leavey Center, 62-54, this past Saturday afternoon. Gonzaga is now in sole possession of first place in the West Coast Conference standings.
In the NET rankings, Few’s group moves up to No. 4 amongst all college basketball programs. The Zags still remain 3-1 in Quad 1 opportunities, but now 5-0 in Quad 2. As for KenPom, Gonzaga drops to No. 6 (No. 8-ranked offense, No. 9-ranked defense).
In Bart Torvik, the Zags are placed at No. 10. With EvanMiya, Gonzaga moves back into the top-ten at No. 9. They’re still on the No. 2 seed line for the NCAA Tournament amongst most major publications.
The Zags look to continue their undefeated stretch in conference play back in Spokane against the Pepperdine Waves (6-14, 1-6 WCC) on Wednesday, Jan. 21. Tip-off is at 6:00 p.m. PT on ESPN+/KHQ.
The students will be inside the Kennel for the first time since Dec. 7. Will Ike be available as the injury is considered day-to-day?
Arden Cravalho is a Gonzaga University graduate from the Bay Area… Follow him on X @a_cravalho
