Gonzaga Bulldogs vs Washington State Cougars Picks and Predictions January 11th 2025

No. 18 Gonzaga, Washington State Face Off in First WCC Matchup

Saturday night marks a historic moment for two familiar foes as No. 18 Gonzaga and Washington State meet for the first time as West Coast Conference rivals. The Cougars, now part of the WCC following the Pac-12’s dissolution, travel just 75 miles from Pullman to Spokane for a highly anticipated matchup at the McCarthey Athletic Center, also known as “The Kennel.”

Gonzaga: The Bulldogs Rolling at Home

Gonzaga (13-4, 4-0 WCC) enters the game with momentum after a 93-80 victory over San Diego on Wednesday. The Bulldogs, known for their high-powered offense, rank seventh in Division I in scoring at 87.8 points per game.

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Forward Graham Ike leads the Bulldogs with 16.3 points per game and showcased his versatility against San Diego, scoring 15 points despite making just one field goal. Ike excelled at the foul line, sinking 13 of 15 free throws, and dominated the boards with a season-high 19 rebounds.

“We’ve been wanting a game like this in the Kennel for a while,” said Gonzaga forward Ben Gregg, underscoring the excitement for this local rivalry’s renewal.

Washington State: Seeking a Bounce Back

The Cougars (13-4, 3-1 WCC) were riding high until Thursday night’s shocking 95-94 overtime loss at home to Pacific, ranked 310th in the NET rankings. Despite Lamar Washington’s game-winning 3-pointer at the buzzer for Pacific, Washington State remains a formidable opponent.

The Cougars boast a dynamic offense averaging 82.3 points per game and elite rim protection, ranking 15th in Division I with 5.5 blocked shots per game. Freshman guard Nick Calmese leads the team with 16.2 points per game.

However, turnovers have been a thorn in the Cougars’ side, as they average 15.4 per game compared to Gonzaga’s 10. First-year head coach David Riley acknowledged the need for better starts, particularly after falling into a 12-point first-half hole against Pacific.

“I thought that first half, we didn’t honor the game,” Riley said. “We didn’t play with the toughness we needed to go win a Division I game.”

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Key Matchups and Keys to Victory

• Graham Ike vs. Washington State’s Defense: Ike’s ability to score inside and rebound will challenge the Cougars’ rim protectors. Washington State’s shot-blocking prowess, led by their frontcourt, will need to disrupt Gonzaga’s offensive flow.
• Nick Calmese vs. Gonzaga’s Defense: Calmese must spearhead Washington State’s balanced attack while limiting turnovers against a disciplined Gonzaga defense.
• Turnovers and Transition: The Cougars’ tendency to turn the ball over could be costly against a Gonzaga team that thrives on converting turnovers into fast-break opportunities.

The Bigger Picture

This game is more than just a conference clash. It represents the rekindling of a regional rivalry with added stakes, as both teams aim to solidify their positions in the WCC standings.

For Gonzaga, a win would extend their dominance at home and keep them unbeaten in conference play. For Washington State, it’s a chance to rebound from a tough loss and make a statement in their new conference.

Expect a fast-paced, high-energy battle as these two teams look to set the tone for their budding WCC rivalry.