Gonzaga Dominates North Florida 109-58 Without Graham Ike

On December 8, Gonzaga University showcased its depth and skill with a commanding 109-58 victory over the North Florida Ospreys, despite the absence of All-American candidate Graham Ike. This win marks Gonzaga’s ninth of the season and served as a significant milestone for head coach Mark Few, who achieved his 750th career victory in just 904 games.

Gonzaga’s Depth Shines in Ike’s Absence

Playing at the McCarthey Athletic Center, Gonzaga quickly took control of the game. North Florida struggled to find its rhythm, especially during a critical stretch in the second half when they failed to score for nearly seven minutes. The Ospreys were unable to keep pace with the Zags, who capitalized on their home court advantage.

With Ike sidelined due to left ankle soreness, Braden Huff stepped up, leading the team with a game-high 24 points on 12 of 17 shooting. This performance marked Huff’s tenth straight game scoring in double figures, underscoring his importance to the Gonzaga offense. “He was very solid,” Few remarked, noting Huff’s usual proficiency in scoring.

Gonzaga displayed a balanced attack, with five players reaching double digits. Tyon Grant-Foster contributed 19 points, while Davis Fogle added 15 points off the bench. The Zags dominated in bench scoring, outpacing North Florida 52-22 in that category.

Offensive Mastery and Defensive Dominance

Freshman point guard Mario Saint-Supery had an impressive outing, scoring 13 points on perfect shooting from the three-point line, while also dishing out seven assists. The team collectively shot 10 of 18 from beyond the arc and maintained a staggering 58-14 advantage in points scored in the paint.

The Ospreys faced a formidable challenge, shooting 20 of 60 overall and struggling from three-point range with 10 of 38. Gonzaga’s defense was relentless, forcing North Florida into tough shots and capitalizing on fast breaks.

After a decisive win against No. 18 Kentucky just two days prior, Gonzaga demonstrated resilience and focus. “The biggest thing for us tonight was having great energy and executing the game plan,” said Steele Venters, who contributed 12 points and hit four three-pointers.

Looking ahead, Gonzaga (9-1) is expected to rise in the upcoming AP Top 25 poll. Their next challenge will be against UCLA on December 16, providing another opportunity for the Zags to solidify their standing in the national rankings.

The outcome of this game highlights not only Gonzaga’s depth but also the ongoing challenges faced by North Florida as they seek to improve in the ASUN Conference.