Gonzaga’s grit and depth shone brightest in overtime as Braden Huff’s 28-point explosion and clutch performances from Graham Ike and Tyon Grant-Foster powered the Bulldogs to an 80-72 victory over Seattle U, preserving their undefeated WCC record and extending their win streak to eight.
Braden Huff delivered a vintage performance, scoring 28 points on an efficient 11-of-14 shooting, as No. 7 Gonzaga overcame a 13-point deficit in the second half to defeat Seattle University 80-72 in overtime. The win, secured in Spokane, Washington, not only preserved Gonzaga’s undefeated record in the West Coast Conference but also extended their winning streak to eight games.
Graham Ike added 24 points and 10 rebounds, while fellow reserve Tyon Grant-Foster contributed 19 points. The Bulldogs’ resilience was on full display as they clawed back from a 59-47 deficit with an 8-0 run late in the fourth quarter, capped by Ike’s final six points. The momentum carried into overtime, where Gonzaga’s composure under pressure proved decisive.
Seattle’s Brayden Maldonado led the Redhawks with 17 points, including a critical 3-pointer that gave them a 59-47 lead with 8:38 remaining. John Christofilis added 12 points, and Gonzaga transfer Junseok Yeo and Will Heimbrodt each scored 10, with Heimbrodt grabbing a game-high 12 rebounds.
The Redhawks’ late rally was fueled by Maldonado’s three-point play with 3:35 left in overtime, which gave them a 68-66 lead. But Gonzaga’s response was immediate and lethal. Huff’s tip-in tied the score, and Grant-Foster’s driving layup put the Bulldogs ahead 70-68. Grant-Foster then extended the lead to four with a baseline layup and added another off a fastbreak to make it 74-68 with 58 seconds left.
Maldonado’s deep 3-pointer from beyond the top of the key with 49 seconds remaining cut the deficit in half, but Gonzaga’s clutch free throws sealed the win. Ike made four free throws in the final 33 seconds, including a crucial pair with 1:01 left in regulation that gave Gonzaga a 64-63 lead. The final play of regulation saw Maldonado’s buzzer-beating shot blocked by Grant-Foster, and his second attempt at the rim went off the front.
In overtime, Huff’s free throw with 4:24 left gave Gonzaga a 66-65 lead, their first since leading 9-8. The Bulldogs’ defense held firm, and Grant-Foster’s driving layup with 2:25 to go put them ahead 70-68. The Redhawks’ final shot was a desperate 3-pointer that missed, and Gonzaga’s bench celebrated a hard-fought victory.
Seattle’s offense was sparked by Christofilis, who hit three 3-pointers in the first half to help the Redhawks overcome a 7-0 deficit and take a 37-29 lead at halftime. But Gonzaga’s depth and experience proved too much to overcome, as the Bulldogs’ bench rotation and perimeter shooting kept them in the game.
For Gonzaga, the win underscores their depth and resilience. With Huff, Ike, and Grant-Foster all contributing at high levels, the Bulldogs have proven they can win in any situation. Their ability to rally from deficits and close out games in overtime is a sign of a team that’s not only talented but mentally tough.
For Seattle, the loss is a setback in their quest for their first win against a ranked team since 1974. The Redhawks’ offense was efficient in the first half, but their inability to maintain momentum in the second half and overtime proved costly. The team will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next matchup.
With the win, Gonzaga remains undefeated in conference play and continues to build momentum toward the NCAA tournament. Their ability to win in high-pressure situations and their depth in scoring and rebounding make them a formidable opponent for any team in the WCC.
For fans, this game was a reminder of what makes Gonzaga special: their ability to overcome adversity and their relentless pursuit of victory. The Bulldogs’ win over Seattle U is a testament to their resilience and their ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most.
For more insight into Gonzaga’s performance, NCAA.com offers official standings and game analysis. For deeper coverage of the Redhawks’ season, Sports-Reference.com provides detailed stats and historical context.
Stay tuned for more breaking sports analysis from onlytrustedinfo.com — the fastest, most authoritative source for sports news.
