The Gonzaga Bulldogs showcased their strength and depth with a convincing 83-68 victory over the Oklahoma Sooners on November 9, 2025. The matchup, held at a neutral site, marked Gonzaga’s first encounter this season with a formidable opponent, and the team rose to the occasion, illustrating their readiness for high-level competition.
Gonzaga controlled the game from the outset, demonstrating a blend of rhythm and discipline. Coach Mark Few employed various lineup combinations that kept Oklahoma off balance. The Bulldogs efficiently moved the ball and maintained composure even in physical confrontations, ensuring that the Sooners struggled to find their footing throughout the match.
Graham Ike Leads the Charge
Central to Gonzaga’s success was Graham Ike, who dominated the paint with 19 points and 11 rebounds on 9-for-17 shooting in just 26 minutes before fouling out. His presence allowed Gonzaga to score an impressive 58 points in the paint compared to Oklahoma’s mere 20. Ike’s ability to seal off defenders opened lanes for his teammates, facilitating a fluid offensive flow.
In addition to Ike’s performance, Gonzaga out-rebounded Oklahoma 42 to 29, with Ike securing 10 defensive boards. His effectiveness drew fouls and pushed Gonzaga into the bonus early in the second half, contributing significantly to their scoring opportunities.
Defensive Prowess Shines Through
The Bulldogs’ defensive effort was equally impressive, limiting Oklahoma to 68 points on just 38% shooting while forcing 16 turnovers. The Sooners struggled to establish any rhythm, unable to overcome Gonzaga’s defensive versatility. Standout performances came from Mario Saint Supery and Jalen Warley, who each played pivotal roles in disrupting Oklahoma’s offensive flow.
Saint Supery recorded three steals and made crucial defensive plays, pressuring Oklahoma’s guards and forcing mistakes. Warley, contributing 13 points and 8 rebounds, consistently positioned himself to disrupt the Sooners’ efforts, showcasing his defensive acumen and anticipation.
The difference in team assists further highlighted Gonzaga’s ball movement; the Bulldogs registered 22 assists, while no Oklahoma player recorded more than one, illustrating the disparity in offensive cohesion. This team-oriented approach was pivotal, with multiple players contributing to the scoring effort.
While the victory was significant, Gonzaga experienced some challenges, particularly when Ike fouled out. The team momentarily lost its offensive anchor, which led to a drop-off in scoring efficiency. Braden Huff, who had a quiet night with 13 points on 6-for-17 shooting, failed to provide the necessary support from the perimeter, as Oklahoma focused on limiting interior scoring.
Gonzaga also struggled from beyond the arc, finishing the game at 27.3%, including just 6 of 22 three-point attempts. This shooting slump, particularly in the second half, allowed Oklahoma to tighten its defense, leading to periods of stagnation for the Bulldogs’ offense.
Despite these issues, Gonzaga maintained control throughout the game, leading by as much as 18 points at halftime. Their ability to adapt and respond to Oklahoma’s defensive adjustments showcased their depth and versatility, with ten players logging significant minutes on the court.
Looking ahead, Gonzaga will face another challenge against Creighton on November 11, 2025, at 19:00 PST. This upcoming matchup will provide further opportunities for the Bulldogs to refine their game and establish their identity as a contender in the current season.
In summary, Gonzaga’s victory over Oklahoma demonstrated not only their offensive capabilities but also their commitment to defensive excellence. As the season progresses, the Bulldogs will seek to build on this performance and address the areas that require improvement, particularly in shooting consistency and maintaining rhythm when key players are unavailable.