In a gripping encounter at the McCarthey Athletic Center, the Gonzaga Bulldogs, battling through significant player absences, managed to clinch a nail-biting 68-66 triumph over the tenacious San Francisco Dons. This victory underscored Gonzaga's ability to prevail in challenging circumstances, relying on stellar individual efforts and a determined collective spirit. The game unfolded as a testament to strategic adjustments and unwavering grit, particularly when facing a resilient opponent that consistently threatened to overturn the deficit.
Gonzaga Secures Gutsy Home Win Against San Francisco
On Sunday, January 25, 2026, at 4:06 AM UTC, the No. 8-ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs, despite entering the contest with a formidable 20-1 record, faced a stern test from the 13-8 San Francisco Dons in Spokane. The Zags were notably depleted, missing key players Graham Ike due to ankle soreness and Braden Huff sidelined with a knee injury. From the outset, Gonzaga's strategy revolved around aggressive defensive pressure and dynamic lineup changes, establishing an early 6-0 lead as San Francisco struggled from the field. Young talent Davis Fogle ignited the crowd with an immediate four-point burst off the bench, pushing Gonzaga's advantage to 10-0 and forcing an early timeout from the Dons.
However, San Francisco quickly found its rhythm, with Tyrone Riley's timely three-pointer sparking their comeback. The Dons' improved shooting, particularly from beyond the arc, began to chip away at Gonzaga's lead. Tyon Grant-Foster countered with six consecutive points, momentarily extending the Bulldogs' lead, but San Francisco's relentless pursuit kept the scoreline tight. The first half concluded with Gonzaga holding a 36-25 lead, largely thanks to Jalen Warley's ten points and Grant-Foster's nine, despite an uneven shooting performance from the team as a whole.
The second half saw Gonzaga commit further to a small-ball lineup, introducing Davis Fogle in place of Ismaila Diagne, aiming for increased speed and floor spacing. This tactical shift, however, did not deter the Dons, who unleashed a barrage of three-pointers, maintaining their presence in the game. Braeden Smith eventually connected on Gonzaga's first three of the night, pushing the lead to 50-36, but San Francisco's response was immediate and emphatic, with Ryan Beasley and Legend Smiley leading a remarkable shooting surge. By the midway point of the second half, the Dons were shooting an astonishing 10-for-17 from three-point range, contrasting sharply with Gonzaga's struggles. Despite the growing pressure, Gonzaga's players, including a crucial corner three from Grant-Foster, managed to push their lead back to ten points late in the game. Yet, San Francisco refused to yield, with Smiley and Masic hitting critical triples, narrowing the margin to just two points with under 30 seconds remaining. In the decisive final possession, Gonzaga's disciplined defense held firm, forcing Junjie Wang's last-second three-point attempt wide, thus securing a hard-fought 68-66 victory.
This game served as a powerful reminder of the unpredictable nature of college basketball, especially when dealing with injuries and facing determined opponents. Gonzaga's performance, while imperfect in several statistical categories, showcased an impressive resolve. The standout contributions from freshman Davis Fogle, who delivered 15 points and nine rebounds, and Jalen Warley, with 19 points on efficient shooting, were pivotal. The team's ability to generate 11 steals while committing only seven turnovers further highlighted their defensive tenacity. As they prepare for their next challenge against Saint Mary's, the 'new-look' Zags, with their fluid rotations and adaptable playstyle, present a formidable and unpredictable force in collegiate basketball.