Hold onto your seats, basketball fans, because Gonzaga just clinched a top-two seed and a semifinal spot in the WCC Tournament after a thrilling 71-62 victory over Pacific on February 21, 2026. But here's where it gets controversial: while Gonzaga's dominance is undeniable, Pacific's TJ Wainwright nearly flipped the script with back-to-back 3-pointers to start the second half, putting the Tigers ahead 35-31. Could this have been the turning point that changed the game's outcome? Let’s dive in.
In a game that showcased both team’s grit, Gonzaga’s Graham Ike continued his scorching streak, dropping 20 points and adding three blocks. And this is the part most people miss: Ike’s performance marked his ninth consecutive game with 20 or more points—the longest streak by a Gonzaga player in the past 20 seasons. Oh, and did we mention he’s the only active Division I player with 2,000 career points and 1,000 rebounds? Talk about a stat line that demands respect. Davis Fogle chipped in 18 points, while Emmanuel Innocenti added 13, helping the Bulldogs secure their 15th conference win—their most since the 2020-21 season.
Pacific, however, didn’t go down without a fight. Elias Ralph and Justin Rochelin each scored 12 points, and Wainwright’s 10 points—including those clutch 3-pointers—kept the Tigers in the game. Gonzaga responded with a 6-0 run to regain control, pulling ahead 56-49 and never looking back.
Here’s a thought-provoking question: Is Gonzaga’s reliance on Ike’s streak sustainable, or could this be a weakness opponents can exploit? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Looking ahead, Pacific hosts San Francisco on Saturday, while Gonzaga welcomes Portland on Wednesday. For those craving more college basketball insights, don’t forget to sign up for AP Top 25 poll alerts and updates via the AP News mobile app or their website. Stay tuned as the season heats up!
