The Oregon State vs. Gonzaga basketball rivalry always delivers a good game, and matchups between these two teams often have conference implications.
This article recaps and analyzes the most recent game between Oregon State and Gonzaga, highlighting key moments, defensive strategies, and standout player performances.
Game Recap and Key Highlights
The Oregon State Beavers faced off against the Gonzaga Bulldogs on January 29, 2025, at the McCarthey Athletic Center in Spokane, WA. The Zags proved too much for the Beavers, with Gonzaga taking the contest by a final score of 98-60.
If you want to relive the action, video highlights of the game are available online. Check out Graham Ike’s powerful dunk, Ben Gregg’s soaring jam, and Michael Ajayi’s impressive and-1 play.
Defensive Performance Analysis
Gonzaga’s defense was much improved in this matchup. Oregon State’s field goal percentage plummeted from 58.5% in their previous game to just 38.2% against the Zags.
A key part of Gonzaga’s defensive strategy was containing Oregon State’s leading scorer. The Zags were effective at limiting Michael Rataj’s scoring opportunities. Coach Few specifically highlighted the roles of Ben Gregg and Jun Seok Ajayi in defending Rataj, noting their defensive contributions as crucial to the team’s success.
Graham Ike’s performance
Forward Graham Ike played a crucial role in Gonzaga’s win, scoring 22 points and shooting 10-for-12 from the field. Coach Mark Few specifically praised Ike’s performance against Oregon State’s physical front line.
Ike has consistently performed well throughout WCC play. So far, he’s averaging 19.0 points per game against conference opponents.
Next up: Saint Mary’s
Gonzaga faces a tough challenge next, going up against Saint Mary’s. The Gaels are currently 18-3 overall and undefeated in the West Coast Conference at 8-0.
Coach Few has noted Saint Mary’s consistency, saying, “They know who they are and they don’t beat themselves.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Gonzaga ever made it to the Final Four?
Yes, Gonzaga has reached the Final Four twice. They made their first appearance in 2017, where they advanced to the championship game but lost to North Carolina. They returned to the Final Four in 2021, losing a heartbreaker to Baylor in the championship game.
How tall is #33 on Gonzaga?
Anton Watson, who wears #33 for the Gonzaga Bulldogs, is listed at 6’8″ tall. He’s a key player for the Zags, known for his versatility and all-around contributions to the team.
Is Oregon State a D1 basketball school?
Yes, Oregon State University is a Division I (D1) member of the NCAA. They compete in the Pac-12 Conference, which is one of the major conferences in college basketball.
Did Oregon State make the NCAA tournament?
Yes, Oregon State has made appearances in the NCAA Tournament. Most recently, they had a memorable run in the 2021 tournament, where they advanced all the way to the Elite Eight as a 12-seed, defying expectations and capturing the nation’s attention.
Summary
Gonzaga’s dominant performance, fueled by a potent offense and increasingly stingy defense, made the game against Oregon State a showcase of the Zags’ capabilities.
Now, all eyes turn to the upcoming contest against Saint Mary’s, a game that carries significant weight in the West Coast Conference standings. A win would do a lot for Gonzaga.