Season in Review: Analyzing Gonzaga’s 2025-26 Campaign, Future of the Program
A lot of the country will remember the end of the Gonzaga Bulldogs’ season as somewhat expected, not being particularly impressed with their season resume, and not necessarily floored when the 3-seed Zags were upset in the Round of 32 to 11-seed Texas.
But despite a disappointing conclusion, GU accomplished a lot this season. Finishing 31-4, the Bulldogs notched their ninth season of 30+ wins in program history, and their first since 2022-23. Forward Graham Ike received honors as a Third-Team All-American, with Drew Timme’s First-Team selection back in 2023 being the last Bulldog to accomplish the feat.
And they did it in such a different fashion than previous GU squads, with a stalwart defense that consistently stifled opponents. Combined with new heights of adversity for the program, Gonzaga still found a way to earn a share of the WCC regular-season title, win the conference tournament, and grab a victory in the NCAA tournament for the 27th consecutive year.
What was the path to another noble year for the Zags?
Gonzaga Survives Rock Fight With Kennesaw State in Round of 64
You couldn’t dream of a choppier start to the NCAA Tournament for 3-seed Gonzaga in its first-round contest against 14-seed Kennesaw State.
Connecting on just four of their first 20 shots from the field and not hitting their first three until the final minute of the first half, the Bulldogs’ shooting was anemic to start the game. Their offense was stagnant, congested, and collected as the Owls dragged the Zags into a slog, with neither team maintaining rhythm in its half-court offense.
But despite KSU leading for the majority of the first half, GU stayed at arm's length throughout. Then, Gonzaga began to play better off its exceptional defense and took a 10-0 run into halftime, riding that momentum out of the locker room into a 74-63 win. It marked the 17th straight season of the Bulldogs advancing from the first round of the tournament, and in a climate of higher seeds being upset, they will take the wins — no matter what they look like.
“I always, always understand just how hard it is to win a game in this tournament. So I think that’s one of the things I’m most proud of...” head coach Mark Few said. “I’m really happy we got through this one. It wasn't pretty, but bottom line is you just win, and now we get to move on.”
Preview: 3-Seed Gonzaga Aims to Start New Sweet Sixteen Streak
When the Gonzaga Bulldogs lost to the one-seeded Houston Cougars in the second round of last year’s NCAA Tournament, it snapped the Zags’ nine-year streak of advancing to the Sweet 16.
Prioritizing different personnel in the offseason with a goal of improving defensively, GU rode a well-rounded rotation into a 30-3 record a year later, consistently sitting in the AP Poll’s Top 15 each week. Gonzaga is still a capable offense, currently playing through its Third-Team All-American big man Graham Ike. But it also boasts one of, if not the best, defensive units Mark Few has ever coached, posting the ninth-best defensive rating (93.9) in the country, per KenPom.
Aside from Ike, the team has gotten contributions from every player in the rotation. From Jalen Warley’s adaptability to Emmanuel Innocenti’s perimeter defense to Mario Saint Supéry’s three-point precision, every (Bull)dog has had its day over the course of the season. There was, of course, the bad loss to a Portland team that finished 9th in the WCC. And although the Zags’ first loss of the season was to No. 3 Michigan, the final score was 101-61, with the Wolverines being the toughest opponent GU has faced by far in a now dampened non-conference schedule compared to preseason projections.
Now a 3-seed in the West Region, what challenges lie ahead for them in the opening rounds of the tournament?
Preview: Gonzaga Set to Face Oregon State in WCC Tournament Semifinals
After four-seeded Oregon State (16-16, 9-9) pulled out a slim 78-77 quarterfinals win over five-seed San Francisco on Sunday, the Gonzaga Bulldogs (28-3, 16-2) finally know their first opponent in the WCC tournament. The Zags and Beavers will square off on Monday in the Orleans Arena at 6 PM PT, with the winner advancing to the conference championship game on Tuesday.
These two teams met just once during the regular season, with the contest being GU’s first action since one of the worst losses in its program’s history, an 87-80 defeat to Portland. To say Gonzaga responded on the road against OSU would be an understatement, as it topped the Beavers 81-61 on February 7 and featured WCC Player of the Year Graham Ike matching his career-high in scoring with 35 points.
But Oregon State has won four of its six games since that blowout loss, so how do they stack up this time around versus the Bulldogs?
Saint Mary's Erupts in Second Half, Defeats No. 9 Gonzaga 70-59
A tale of two halves might be an understatement. Opening the final regular-season WCC matchup between rivals Gonzaga (28-3, 16-2) and Saint Mary’s (27-4, 16-2), it was the Bulldogs who brought the energy to UCU Pavilion. Graham Ike was great in the first 20 minutes, gesturing back to the Gael Force, SMC’s student section, each time he converted a field goal. Saint Mary’s was hesitant to push the ball inside, taking more shots from beyond the arc than inside it, with its star forward Paulius Murauskas as the poster player for that style of basketball.
But the continuous three-point shooting became a weapon for the Gaels in the second half, while the Zags couldn’t come up with an answer. Ike was held to only four points after halftime and also fouled out with 3:45 to play. It was Gaels guard Mikey Lewis who stole the show, scoring a career-high 31 points with seven made threes, leading a ferocious attack that helped SMC surge to a 70-59 win and clinch at least a share of the conference regular-season title for the fourth consecutive season.
“I thought our defense was excellent in the first half. To me, it was a tale of two halves,” Few said. “…They were definitely the tougher team in the second half.”
Graham Ike Returns With 30 Points, Gonzaga Beats Saint Mary's at Home For First Time Since 2023
It was not lost on Graham Ike that he hadn't beaten Saint Mary's at home since he became a Bulldog. How did the skilled big man respond in his return to action as Gonzaga beat the Gaels inside the Kennel for the first time in three seasons?
Gonzaga Survives Three-Point Barrage From San Francisco, Escapes with 68-66 Win
Gonzaga has now beaten San Francisco in 34 straight games, but the Dons had an opportunity to win the latest matchup between the two teams on the final possession. How did the Bulldogs nearly allow a win to slip out of their grasp?
No Huff, No Ike, No Problem; Gonzaga Suffocates Seattle U 71-50 Without Two Big Men
Even without its two leading scorers, Gonzaga proved why its truly such a dangerous team, drubbing Seattle U 71-50 Saturday night without Graham Ike or Braden Huff. How did the Bulldogs get the job done on the road?
Gonzaga Bashes Washington State 86-65 in Wake of Braden Huff Injury
Without standout forward Braden Huff for the next 1-2 months, Gonzaga is well-equipped to hold down the fort in his absence. How did the Bulldogs show off their balance and depth in a commanding win over Washington State?
Riding Several Dominant Runs, Gonzaga Routs Loyola Marymount in 82-47 Home Win
Falling behind by 10 points early on to LMU, Gonzaga flipped the script on the Lions by shutting them down defensively, thriving as the stops continued to mount into a blowout win. What led to the Bulldogs locking in for their ninth straight victory?
‘Not Good Enough’: Mark Few Frustrated as Gonzaga Staves Off San Diego in 99-93 Win
Gonzaga's narrow victory over San Diego Tuesday night was a good reminder that losing focus at any point can cost you. What events unfolded that nearly led to a disastrous loss for the Bulldogs?
Analysis: Grading Each Gonzaga Player Prior to WCC Play
With a strong 12-1 start to the season, Gonzaga has executed as well as it could have expected after a lot of turnover in the rotation this offseason. How did each player on the roster perform during the non-conference slate?
Braden Huff Drops Career High 37 Points, Gonzaga Cruises Past Campbell 98-70
Donning a throwback jersey, Braden Huff put together a historic performance in Gonzaga’s big win over Campbell. What feats and records did the 6-10 big man set during the Zags’ victory on Wednesday night?
Ike and Huff Combine for 46 as Gonzaga Pulls Away from UCLA in 82-72 Win
Although it hasn’t been in the situation much at all this season, Gonzaga executed when needed on both ends to leave its battle with UCLA with a victory.
How did the Zags pull out their first ever win at Climate Pledge Arena?
Mark Few Gets Career Win No. 750 as Gonzaga Annihilates North Florida 109-58
Even without its top scorer and rebounder in Graham Ike, Gonzaga had no problem handling North Florida on its home court, where Mark Few’s 750th career victory with the Zags was won by over a 50-point margin.
WATCH: Breaking Down Gonzaga Bulldogs’ Red Hot Start to 2025-26 Season
The 2025-26 season just kicked off, but only five games in, Gonzaga looks the part of a formidable NCAA tournament threat. Where have the Bulldogs shown the most improvement amid a 5-0 start and what must they prove next to emerge as a true contender?
Graham Ike Cracks 2,000 Points, Gonzaga Crushes Creighton 90-63 Behind Second Half Surge
Leading an overpowering second half by Gonzaga, Graham Ike reached a major milestone and a suffocating defense created a “nightmare” for Creighton as the Zags pulled away in the final 20 minutes for a blowout win in a battle of ranked teams.
Gonzaga Bullies Oklahoma on the Boards, Cruises to 83-68 Home Victory
It might be early, but Gonzaga is doing what it sets out to do on the floor. By owning the rebounding battle and pushing the pace for high-percentage shots, the Zags put together a sizeable victory over Oklahoma at Spokane Arena Saturday night.
Sluggish Start Remedied by Bench as Gonzaga Trounces Texas Southern in Season Opener
After being initially stifled offensively, Gonzaga got in rhythm thanks to contributions from its bench, resulting in a monstrous win over Texas Southern in its regular season opener.
Preview: What to Expect From Gonzaga MBB in the 2025-26 Season
After an unfamiliar finish in March, Gonzaga looks to be a national championship contender once again. Anchored by Graham Ike and Braden Huff in the frontcourt, the other key for the Zags will be fresher, yet experienced, faces finding their strides.
ALL SEATTLE SPORTS, ALL THE TIME
Explore our latest Seattle sports content by clicking on your favorite team(s) below!
