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Gonzaga Extends Winning Streak to 15 Against Pepperdine

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, December 28th 2025 at 23:38 GMT by Sports Illustrated

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Gonzaga Extends Dominance, But Mark Few Focuses on Growth Amidst Streak Continuation

Gonzaga University’s men’s basketball program continued its remarkable streak against Pepperdine, securing an 84-63 victory in a Saturday afternoon matchup at the McCarthey Athletic Center. While the win extended their series dominance to a staggering 15-0 – a testament to the program's sustained excellence under head coach Mark Few – the post-game narrative wasn’t solely about celebrating another milestone. Few, ever the pragmatic leader, emphasized the team's ongoing development and areas for improvement despite the comfortable victory.

The game itself unfolded largely as expected. Gonzaga (9-2) established a lead early and maintained control throughout, demonstrating their characteristic offensive efficiency and defensive intensity. They shot 51.8% from the field and 46.7% from three-point range, showcasing their well-rounded attack. Pepperdine (6-5), under interim head coach Aaron Kuebler after Casey Alexander's departure to West Virginia [link to ESPN article about Alexander’s departure], struggled to find consistent rhythm, particularly in containing Gonzaga’s inside game and perimeter threats. Gonzaga out-rebounded Pepperdine 37-24, a key indicator of their physical advantage.

However, Few wasn't overly enthusiastic in his post-game comments. While acknowledging the win, he pointedly highlighted areas where the Bulldogs need to elevate their performance as they navigate a challenging non-conference schedule and prepare for West Coast Conference (WCC) play. His focus went beyond simply tallying another victory; it was about the process of becoming a championship contender.

One recurring theme in Few’s remarks centered on Gonzaga's defensive consistency. While the Waves were held to 63 points, Few felt the team allowed too many easy baskets and open looks throughout the game. He stressed the need for greater focus and discipline on that end of the court, particularly when facing teams with skilled offensive players. “We’re not where we want to be defensively,” Few stated plainly. “We've got a lot of room to grow.” This sentiment echoes concerns that have surfaced in earlier games this season – Gonzaga hasn't consistently locked down opponents as they have in years past, and it’s something Few is actively addressing through practice adjustments and player accountability.

Beyond defense, Few also addressed the team's offensive rebounding. While they secured more rebounds overall, he noted a lack of aggression and positioning on the offensive glass, which could prove costly against tougher competition. “We need to be more physical and relentless in pursuing those opportunities,” he commented. He specifically challenged his players to improve their boxing out and create more second-chance points.

The narrative surrounding Gonzaga's season has been subtly different this year compared to recent years, particularly given the significant roster turnover. The Bulldogs lost key contributors from last year’s Elite Eight run, including Malachi Flynn and Corey Kispert [link to SI article about Gonzaga's rebuilding process]. This year's team is younger and features a blend of experienced veterans and promising newcomers. While they possess considerable talent – led by Anton Watson’s 20 points and Graham Ike’s dominant presence in the paint – integrating these players and establishing a cohesive identity has been an ongoing project.

Few’s post-game comments reflected this reality. He acknowledged the progress his team is making but emphasized that there's still considerable work to be done before they reach their full potential. He highlighted the importance of continued communication, trust-building, and refining individual roles within the team structure. The streak against Pepperdine, while impressive, serves as a backdrop for this developmental journey rather than the primary focus.

Furthermore, Few touched upon the challenges of maintaining motivation and intensity during a long non-conference schedule. He recognized that it can be difficult to consistently bring maximum effort against every opponent, especially when facing teams that are clearly outmatched. He stressed the need for his players to develop internal drive and accountability to ensure they're always prepared to compete at their highest level.

The Pepperdine game provided a valuable opportunity for Gonzaga to fine-tune its approach and identify areas where improvement is needed. While the victory extended an impressive streak, Few’s post-game comments underscored that the program’s ultimate goal remains consistent: continuous growth and striving for excellence in all facets of the game. He made it clear that celebrating wins is important, but even more crucial is analyzing performance, identifying weaknesses, and relentlessly pursuing improvement – a philosophy that has defined Gonzaga basketball under Mark Few's leadership for decades. The focus isn’t just on maintaining a streak; it's about building a team capable of contending for national championships, one practice and one game at a time.

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