Gonzaga Bulldogs hosts Washington State Cougars on Tuesday night in a pivotal West Coast Conference showdown at the McCarthey Athletic Center in Spokane. The No. 12-ranked Bulldogs (23-2, 11-1 WCC) return to “The Kennel” eager to bounce back after splitting a challenging two-game trip in Oregon.
They face a determined Washington State squad (11-15, 6-7 WCC) seeking payback for their 86-65 loss to Gonzaga in Pullman on January 15. Our Washington State vs. Gonzaga preview features projected starting lineups, a full score prediction, and detailed pregame analysis for this anticipated WCC clash.
Washington State vs. Gonzaga Projected Lineups and Key Matchups
Washington State Cougars Starting Lineup
- Ace Glass (16.5 PPG)
- Rihards Vavers (11.1 PPG)
- ND Okafor (11.0 PPG)
- Eemeli Yalaho (10.6 PPG)
- Jerone Morton (7.3 PPG)
Gonzaga Bulldogs Starting Lineup
- Graham Ike (19.7 PPG)
- Jalen Warley (7.4 PPG)
- Adam Miller (7.0 PPG)
- Braeden Smith (5.8 PPG)
- Emmanuel Innocenti (4.9 PPG)
Washington State vs. Gonzaga Prediction and Preview
Gonzaga bounced back from its historic setback to Portland with an 81-61 win over Oregon State last Saturday. The Beavers had no answer for Graham Ike, who barreled his way to a career-high 35 points in 39 minutes. The 6’9″ senior forward, who also tallied seven rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block, shot 72% from the field and went 8 of 9 from the free-throw line.
It was the third time this season that Ike scored at least 30 points, as he is carrying the heavy load for the Bulldogs, with his frontcourt mate, Braden Huff, still sidelined by injury. With Huff out, Gonzaga coach Mark Few has been searching for a No. 2 option to help Ike pile up points, and they may have found one in Tyon Grant-Foster.
The 6’7″ senior guard from Kansas City, Kansas, came off the bench and tallied 15 points on 5-of-8 shooting and 4-of-4 from the free-throw line, along with seven rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block in 26 minutes. They’ll need more of him in the coming games, especially against conference leaders Santa Clara and perennial rivals Saint Mary’s.
Gonzaga took great care of the ball against Oregon State, matching its program-low two turnovers, and outscoring the Beavers in the paint, 50-10. The Bulldogs have yet to lose at home in 11 games this season and are ranked second in the WCC in team defense, holding opponents to 67.0 points and 39.7% shooting.
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Meanwhile, Washington State gave WCC leaders Santa Clara a scare before losing 96-92 on Saturday at Beasley Coliseum in Pullman. Eemeli Yalaho and Ace Glass combined for 41 points and made seven 3-pointers, keeping the Cougars in the fight until the final minutes of the game.
ND Okafor, Rihards Vavers, and Adria Rodriguez also finished in double-figures as the Cougars shot 54%, including 52% from long range, against the Broncos, who were also outrebounded 33-28. Washington State has struggled on the road, going 1-8 this season, and is in the midst of a five-game road losing streak.
The showdown marks the 154th meeting between the two programs, with the Cougars leading the series 98-55. However, the Bulldogs have won nine of their last 10 meetings and are 15-3 against Washington State when Few has called the plays.
Gonzaga remains a better team than Washington State despite missing Huff. The Cougars have no answer for Ike, who is expected to carry the Bulldogs with another 30-point night. The Kennel has been a difficult place for visiting opponents to win, and that will continue on Tuesday, as Gonzaga proves too much for Washington State to overcome.
Prediction: Washington State 65, Gonzaga 89
How To Watch Washington State vs. Gonzaga
- Date: Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026
- Time: 11 p.m. ET
- Location: Spokane, Washington
- Arena: McCarthey Athletic Center
- TV Channel: ESPN2
- Live Stream: Fubo
- Radio: Varsity Sports App; KFOO 96.1 FM
