No. 7 Gonzaga Overpowers Pepperdine in West Coast Conference Opener.

No. 7 Gonzaga opened West Coast Conference play in dominant fashion, defeating Pepperdine 96–56 on Sunday night in Malibu, California. The Bulldogs showcased their depth and experience in what will be their final WCC season before moving to the Pac-12 next year. Reserve guard Tyon Grant-Foster led Gonzaga with 18 points and four blocks, while Braeden Smith and Davis Fogle each added 15 points. Gonzaga improved to 13–1 on the season and extended its winning streak to six games following its only loss to Michigan on Nov. 26. The Bulldogs controlled the game early, using their size and athleticism to overwhelm the Waves. Gonzaga went on an 18–0 run midway through the first half, holding Pepperdine scoreless for more than five minutes. Styles Phipps eventually ended the drought with two free throws.

Forward Graham Ike recorded 13 points and 10 rebounds for his eighth double-double of the season. Ike also reached a major career milestone, becoming the only active Division I player with at least 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds. Braden Huff, the WCC’s leading scorer entering the game, contributed 10 points along with three rebounds and four assists.

Defensively, Gonzaga shut down Pepperdine’s top scorer Aaron Clark, limiting him to four points on 2-for-14 shooting. Yonatan Levy led the Waves with 15 points, but Pepperdine fell to 5–9 overall and 0–1 in conference play. The loss marked the Waves’ 50th straight defeat against Gonzaga.

Gonzaga will travel to San Diego on Tuesday, while Pepperdine will host Saint Mary’s in its next matchup.