Key Highlights
- No. 7-ranked Gonzaga secured a dominant victory over Pepperdine with a final score of 96-56.
- Tyon Grant-Foster led the Bulldogs with 18 points off the bench, while Davis Fogle and Braeden Smith each contributed 15 points.
- Graham Ike scored 13 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, marking his 1,000th career rebound.
- The Zags showcased stellar defense by holding Pepperdine to a 34% field goal percentage and 26% from beyond the arc.
Gonzaga’s Dominant Performance in West Coast Conference Opener
On December 28, 2025, No. 7-ranked Gonzaga (13-1, 1-0) demonstrated their dominance over Pepperdine with a resounding 96-56 victory in the opening game of the West Coast Conference. The match was held at Firestone Fieldhouse in Malibu, California.
Tyon Grant-Foster Leads the Charge
From the bench, Tyon Grant-Foster delivered an impressive performance for Gonzaga, scoring a game-high 18 points and leading the team’s offensive effort. Davis Fogle and Braeden Smith also contributed significantly with their respective scores of 15 each. Graham Ike added to the Zags’ success by scoring 13 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, achieving his 1,000th career rebound in the process.
Defensive Prowess on Display
The Bulldogs showcased their defensive prowess early in the game, launching a 9-0 run from the opening tip. This initial surge set the tone for the entire match as Gonzaga maintained control and expanded its lead to as many as 40 points. Pepperdine never managed to come closer than three points during the first half.
Gonzaga’s defense was nothing short of stellar, limiting Pepperdine to just a 34% field goal percentage and 26% from beyond the arc. Additionally, the Zags forced 14 turnovers, capitalizing on these opportunities with 24 points while keeping their own possession count low at nine.
Pepperdine Struggles
The Waves’ offensive struggles were evident as only two players reached double-digit points: Yonatan Levy scored 15 and Javon Cooley added 13 off the bench. Pepperdine’s overall performance was hampered by their poor shooting from both inside and outside the arc, highlighting the disparity in skill between the teams.
Future Games
Gonzaga continues its California road trip on Tuesday, December 29, 2025, facing San Diego (6-7, 1-0) at Jenny Craig Pavilion. The match is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcasted live on NonStop Local KHQ and streamed online via SWXLocalSports.com.
The win marks the Zags’ 30th straight West Coast Conference opening victory, signaling their intention to make a strong statement in their final year with the conference before moving on to the Pac-12 next season. As of now, Gonzaga stands at an impressive record of 13-1 overall and 1-0 in WCC play.
Conclusion
The dominant performance by No. 7-ranked Gonzaga against Pepperdine was a clear indication that the Bulldogs are aiming for another successful season in the West Coast Conference. With key players stepping up their game, including Tyon Grant-Foster and Graham Ike, the Zags appear well-positioned to maintain their dominance as they continue their road trip.
