Mbb Opens Regular Season Versus Texas Southern Monday

Opening Night in Spokane: Gonzaga vs. Texas Southern

The 2025-26 basketball season kicks off for the Gonzaga Bulldogs on Monday, November 3, as they face off against Texas Southern at McCarthey Athletic Center in Spokane. This game marks not just the beginning of a new season but also the continuation of a storied rivalry that has seen the Bulldogs dominate their opponents.

Historical Success and Team Roster

Gonzaga enters the season with an impressive 21-game winning streak in regular-season openers, dating back to 2003. Additionally, they have won 35 consecutive regular season home-openers since a loss to Boise State on December 7, 1988. This formidable track record underscores the team’s strength and consistency under Coach Mark Few. The current roster features several key players, including Graham Ike, who is just shy of 2,000 career points and has been named to multiple All-Conference teams.

Key Players and Team Highlights

Graham Ike, a graduate student forward at 6’9″, leads the team with his scoring prowess. In last season’s opener against Baylor, he contributed significantly with 27 points. Another notable player is Braden Huff, who recorded a game-high 21 points in their exhibition match against Western Oregon. The Bulldogs have a well-rounded approach to rebounding and inside play, outrebounding opponents by an average of 41-21.

Opponent Analysis: Texas Southern

Texas Southern enters the contest with a strong history in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). Last season, they achieved a record of 12 wins and 6 losses. The team’s star player, Zaire Hayes, averaged 10.3 points per game and was named Preseason All-SWAC, highlighting his importance to the team.

Season-Opening Success and Future Goals

Gonzaga aims to continue their dominance in season openers as they face a tough challenge from Texas Southern. The Bulldogs are ranked No. 21 in the preseason Associated Press poll, reflecting their status as one of the top teams nationally. While they return only about 36 percent of last year’s scoring and 34 percent of rebounding, the team benefits from the experience and leadership provided by four players who have already scored over 1,000 points in their careers.

Upcoming Challenges

Following their opener against Texas Southern, Gonzaga will face Oklahoma on November 3. The Sooners are ranked No. 6 nationally according to On3’s Team Transfer Portal Index and feature high-profile transfers from the SEC. This matchup promises to be a significant test for the Bulldogs as they look to maintain their early-season momentum.

In conclusion, Gonzaga’s 2025-26 season begins with a focused approach towards their first game against Texas Southern. The team is poised for success based on their historical dominance and the individual talents of players like Graham Ike. As they prepare for challenges ahead, including a tough matchup against Oklahoma, the Bulldogs aim to start their season with a strong statement in Spokane.