Gonzaga Defeats Saint Mary's in Close Contest
Saturday, January 31, 2026, 10:40 PM ET · McCarthey Athletic Center
Gonzaga Bulldogs 73, Saint Mary's Gaels 65, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Saint Mary's Gaels vs Gonzaga Bulldogs?
Gonzaga Bulldogs beat Saint Mary's Gaels 73-65 at McCarthey Athletic Center on January 31, 2026.
Who was favored in Saint Mary's Gaels vs Gonzaga Bulldogs?
Gonzaga Bulldogs were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -500 (about 83% implied). The favorite won.
The Gonzaga Bulldogs secured a victory over the Saint Mary's Gaels with a final score of 73-65 in a tightly contested matchup at the McCarthey Athletic Center. Gonzaga's win further solidifies their impressive home record, now standing at 22-1 for the season. This game was particularly significant as it showcased Gonzaga's dominance at home, where they have maintained an unblemished record in their last ten games, boasting an overall home record of 5-0 in that span.
Gonzaga's recent form has been exceptional, winning their last ten games and averaging 84.6 points scored while allowing only 66.8 points per game. Their last five games have seen them average 79.6 points scored and 63.6 points allowed, indicating a strong offensive and defensive balance. In contrast, the Saint Mary's Gaels, with a record of 19-4, have been competitive as well, winning nine of their last ten games, including their last two. They have averaged 76.4 points scored and allowed 64.1 points in their recent outings, demonstrating their capability to compete at a high level.
The matchup also had historical context, as the Bulldogs faced the Gaels for the fourth time in the last two seasons, with Gonzaga holding a 1-2 record against them in previous meetings. The last encounter prior to this game saw Gonzaga lose 67-74 at home on February 23, 2025. This loss added an extra layer of motivation for the Bulldogs as they sought to even the score.
In terms of injuries, both teams entered the game relatively healthy, which allowed them to field their strongest lineups. The absence of key players can often sway the outcome of such tightly contested games, but both squads were able to present their best talent on the court.
Betting lines from DraftKings indicated Gonzaga as the favorites with a spread of -8.5 and a moneyline of -500, while Saint Mary's was positioned at +380 on the moneyline. The total points for the game was set at 144.5, reflecting expectations of a competitive scoring environment, which ultimately played out as the game was closely contested until the final moments.
The conditions in the McCarthey Athletic Center were favorable for basketball, with a lively crowd supporting the home team. The atmosphere undoubtedly contributed to Gonzaga's performance, as they fed off the energy of their fans.
As the game progressed, Gonzaga managed to pull ahead in the second half, with key plays from Graham Ike, who made crucial free throws and a significant three-point jumper to extend their lead. Saint Mary's fought back with efforts from players like Andrew McKeever and Mario Saint-Supery, but ultimately fell short as Gonzaga's defense held strong in the closing minutes.
Viewers should have noted the strategic adjustments made by both coaches throughout the game, particularly in the second half when Gonzaga began to exploit mismatches and capitalize on their size advantage in the paint. The game highlighted the importance of depth and execution in high-pressure situations, especially as both teams aimed for postseason positioning.
In summary, Gonzaga's victory over Saint Mary's not only showcased their home dominance but also served as a reminder of the competitive nature of college basketball, where every game can shift momentum and impact standings. The Bulldogs will look to continue their winning ways as they head deeper into the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | GONZ -8.5 | 144.5 o -105 / u -115 | Saint Mary's Gaels +380 · Gonzaga Bulldogs -500 |
Leaders
- PointsGraham Ike30Gonzaga Bulldogs
- AssistsMario Saint-Supery5Gonzaga Bulldogs
- ReboundsJalen Warley7Gonzaga Bulldogs
- PointsJoshua Dent16Saint Mary's Gaels
- AssistsJoshua Dent3Saint Mary's Gaels
- ReboundsAndrew McKeever8Saint Mary's Gaels
Recent form
Gonzaga Bulldogs
Last 10: 10-0Streak W1084.6 scored · 66.8 allowed per game5-0 at home
- W68-66vs San Francisco DonsJan 25
- W84-60vs Pepperdine WavesJan 22
- W71-50at Seattle U RedhawksJan 18
- W86-65at Washington State CougarsJan 16
- W89-77vs Santa Clara BroncosJan 9
- W82-47vs Loyola Marymount LionsJan 5
- W80-72vs Seattle U RedhawksJan 3
- W99-93at San Diego TorerosDec 31
- W96-56at Pepperdine WavesDec 29
- W91-82at Oregon DucksDec 21
Saint Mary's Gaels
Last 10: 9-1Streak W276.4 scored · 64.1 allowed per game4-1 away
- W75-69at Portland PilotsJan 25
- W81-51vs Oregon State BeaversJan 22
- L54-62at Santa Clara BroncosJan 18
- W82-68at San Francisco DonsJan 14
- W88-82vs Washington State CougarsJan 10
- W93-76vs Seattle U RedhawksJan 5
- W78-57vs Portland PilotsJan 3
- W72-45at Pepperdine WavesDec 31
- W78-73at Loyola Marymount LionsDec 29
- W63-58vs Northern Iowa PanthersDec 23
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gonzaga | 31-4 | - | 16-2 |
| Saint Mary's | 27-6 | - | 16-2 |
| Santa Clara | 26-9 | 1 | 15-3 |
| Oregon State | 17-16 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Seattle U | 21-14 | 8 | 8-10 |
| Pacific | 18-15 | 8 | 8-10 |
| San Francisco | 17-16 | 8 | 8-10 |
| Washington State | 12-20 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Loyola Marymount | 15-17 | 10 | 6-12 |
| Portland | 15-19 | 10 | 6-12 |
| San Diego | 12-21 | 11 | 5-13 |
| Pepperdine | 9-23 | 12 | 4-14 |
Box score
| Stat | Saint Mary's Gaels | Gonzaga Bulldogs |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 18-53 | 27-58 |
| Field goal % | 34 | 47 |
| Three-pointers | 6-21 | 6-17 |
| Three-point % | 29 | 35 |
| Free throws | 23-25 | 13-21 |
| Free throw % | 92 | 62 |
| Rebounds | 34 | 39 |
| Offensive rebounds | 7 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 27 | 28 |
| Assists | 7 | 18 |
| Steals | 6 | 6 |
| Blocks | 1 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 11 | 13 |
| Fast-break points | 15 | 18 |
| Points in the paint | 20 | 36 |
| Fouls | 19 | 18 |
| Largest lead | 6 | 10 |
| Lead changes | 5 | 5 |
| Time in front | 18 | 75 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half34-34Joshua Dent makes free throw 1 of 3
- 1st Half35-34Joshua Dent makes free throw 2 of 3
- 1st Half36-34Joshua Dent makes free throw 3 of 3
- 1st Half37-34Liam Campbell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half38-34Liam Campbell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half38-36Jalen Warley makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half41-36Mikey Lewis makes 26-foot three point jumper (Harry Wessels assists)
- 2nd Half41-38Emmanuel Innocenti makes layup (Braeden Smith assists)
- 2nd Half44-38Dillan Shaw makes 26-foot three point jumper (Harry Wessels assists)
- 2nd Half44-41Emmanuel Innocenti makes 23-foot three point jumper (Adam Miller assists)
- 2nd Half46-41Harry Wessels makes 4-foot turnaround jump shot (Joshua Dent assists)
- 2nd Half46-43Emmanuel Innocenti makes layup
- 2nd Half46-46Emmanuel Innocenti makes 22-foot three point jumper (Jalen Warley assists)
- 2nd Half46-48Graham Ike makes 12-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half48-48Joshua Dent makes driving layup
- 2nd Half48-51Mario Saint-Supery makes 24-foot three point jumper (Tyon Grant-Foster assists)
- 2nd Half48-52Tyon Grant-Foster makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half48-54Graham Ike makes 4-foot dunk
- 2nd Half48-56Jalen Warley makes layup (Tyon Grant-Foster assists)
- 2nd Half49-56Dillan Shaw makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half50-56Dillan Shaw makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half51-56Dillan Shaw makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half51-59Graham Ike makes 26-foot three point jumper (Emmanuel Innocenti assists)
- 2nd Half53-59Paulius Murauskas makes layup (Liam Campbell assists)
- 2nd Half53-60Davis Fogle makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-60Mantas Juzenas makes 26-foot three point jumper (Liam Campbell assists)
- 2nd Half56-62Graham Ike makes 13-foot jumper (Mario Saint-Supery assists)
- 2nd Half57-62Mikey Lewis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-64Graham Ike makes 8-foot jumper (Mario Saint-Supery assists)
- 2nd Half59-64Joshua Dent makes driving layup
- 2nd Half59-66Jalen Warley makes layup (Graham Ike assists)
- 2nd Half60-66Andrew McKeever makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-66Andrew McKeever makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-68Mario Saint-Supery makes 14-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half61-71Graham Ike makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half62-71Liam Campbell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-71Liam Campbell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-72Graham Ike makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-73Graham Ike makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-73Joshua Dent makes driving layup
Win probability
Above the line favours Gonzaga Bulldogs, below favours Saint Mary's Gaels.
Venue
- McCarthey Athletic CenterSpokane, WA
- Attendance6000
- OfficialsDarron George, Michael Greenstein, Gregory Nixon
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- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
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