Gonzaga secured at least a share of the West Coast Conference (WCC) regular season title after defeating Portland 89-48 on Wednesday night at McCarthey Athletic Center. The win comes after the Pilots had previously handed Gonzaga their only conference loss earlier in February.
Portland, now with a record of 12-18 overall and 5-12 in WCC play, was without starting forward Cameron Williams due to a concussion. Freshman point guard Joel Foxwell led the Pilots with 12 points but did not register an assist for the first time this season, despite leading the WCC in assists prior to the game. Garrett Nuckolls contributed nine points, while James O’Donnell and Matus Hronsky each added eight.
Graham Ike led Gonzaga with 19 points as he and other seniors were recognized before the game during Senior Night celebrations. Four Bulldogs scored in double figures.
Gonzaga shot 52 percent from the field and made 14 three-pointers. In contrast, Portland shot 35 percent and converted four of their 20 attempts from beyond the arc. The Bulldogs forced 22 turnovers by Portland, resulting in a significant advantage with a 26-6 margin in points off turnovers.
The first half saw both teams tied four times and five lead changes before Gonzaga went on a decisive 16-0 run to take control. At halftime, Gonzaga led 36-21 after capitalizing on Portland’s turnovers. The Bulldogs extended their lead throughout the second half.
Portland will return home for Senior Day on Saturday against San Diego at 1 p.m., followed by a women’s game against Gonzaga later that day.
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