LAS VEGAS — The Gonzaga Bulldogs are widely known for having one of the most passionate fanbases in the country, and nowhere is that more noticeable than the Orleans Arena, dubbed “Kennel South,” where once again Zag fans showed their dedication to supporting these teams on the road. The Zags repaid their fans for the support with an 85-76 win over San Francisco. 

The Bulldogs struggled early, marking the first time this season they were down at the break and staged a comeback. But as head coach Mark Few noted, the team found its rhythm after halftime. “These guys settled in, had another really, really good second half against San Francisco,” Few said. 

Orleans Arena, packed with Gonzaga fans, felt like a home court. Battle, a transfer who’s seen his share of fanbases, raved about the support. “It means the world,” he said. “I’ve been in a lot of places, but being around the Zag fans has been amazing. You can’t walk two steps in the hotel without somebody saying, ‘Go Zags.’ It’s a big family atmosphere. They’re all invested in us winning.”

Graham Ike led the charge, erupting for eight straight points out of the half and finishing with 27, but the highlight-reel dunk by Michael Ajayi sparked the surge, a moment Ike said got the team going. “Yeah, we just like to set the tone in the second half with the first four minutes, and that just is how we set the tone in this game. Guys we’re getting available, Mike had one nasty dunk, and thinking the first half, that’s pretty nice,” Ike said. “He just made itself available, and kudos to my teammates for getting it to me, and I’m gonna give it right back.” Khalif Battle complimented Ike with 21 points, going 3-for-7 from three and attacking the free-throw line nine times.

Gonzaga dominated the second half, outrebounding USF 18-13 and scoring 22 points in the paint, mostly via Ike. Defensively, they forced 14 turnovers—six after halftime—while committing just seven, turning miscues into 18 points. The Zags held San Francisco to 14-for-30 shooting in the final 20 minutes, fueling fast-break and second-chance scoring.

Now, Gonzaga face their rival, the Saint Mary’s Gaels in the WCC Championship. No two teams have met more over the past decade, clashing three times each of the last three seasons—including the WCC title game every year. The Gaels have beaten Gonzaga twice this season, adding revenge to the stakes. A tournament bid is locked, but the Bulldogs are chasing their first WCC crown in three years and a higher NCAA seed. “We just want to get the dub tomorrow and get it done,” Battle said. “I’ll be holding the trophy at the end of tomorrow.”