Oregon State vs. Gonzaga: Live Score, Highlights & Updates | 2026
LAS VEGAS – The Gonzaga Bulldogs secured their 29th consecutive appearance in the West Coast Conference (WCC) Tournament championship game with a 65-56 victory over the Oregon State Beavers on . The win, fueled by a dominant performance from forward Graham Ike, puts Gonzaga one step away from an automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament.
Dominant Performance Propels Gonzaga
Ike led all scorers with 24 points and added 11 rebounds, achieving his 14th double-double of the season and the 45th of his career. Gonzaga’s offensive strategy focused on exploiting the paint, outscoring Oregon State 38-24 inside. The Bulldogs, consistently a national leader in points in the lane (averaging 45.2 per game), controlled the interior throughout the contest. Beyond scoring, Gonzaga’s defense proved crucial, generating a 16-0 advantage in fast-break points.
Oregon State, playing in what proved to be the final game for head coach Wayne Tinkle after 12 seasons, struggled to find offensive rhythm. Jorge Diaz Graham led the Beavers with 15 points, while Noah Amenhauser contributed 11. However, Oregon State’s shooting woes, particularly in the first half where they missed their first nine attempts, proved insurmountable. The Beavers managed to remain competitive in the second half, but Gonzaga maintained control.
A Historic Run and a Transition Year
This victory marks Gonzaga’s 29th straight trip to the WCC championship game, a testament to their sustained dominance within the conference. However, this year’s tournament holds added significance as it represents the Bulldogs’ final competition in the WCC before transitioning to the Pac-12 Conference next season. The move to the Pac-12 signals a new chapter for Gonzaga basketball, presenting both challenges and opportunities as they compete against a different set of opponents.
The Bulldogs will face either Saint Mary’s or Santa Clara in the championship game, scheduled for at 6 p.m. Local time. The outcome of that game will determine the WCC’s automatic qualifier for the NCAA Tournament. Gonzaga’s consistent success in the WCC Tournament has solidified their position as a perennial contender in March Madness, and they will be looking to add another conference title to their impressive resume before embarking on their Pac-12 journey.
Oregon State’s season concludes with a 17-16 record. Despite losing for only the second time in 11 games when holding an opponent under 70 points, the Beavers were unable to overcome Gonzaga’s inside dominance and defensive pressure. The program now faces the task of rebuilding under new leadership, following the departure of Coach Tinkle.