Bulldogs and Dons Clash in Crucial WCC Battle
The McCarthey Athletic Center in Spokane, Washington, will be the epicenter of college basketball action on Thursday night as Gonzaga (18-7, 9-3 WCC) welcomes San Francisco (20-6, 10-3 WCC) for a pivotal Western Collegiate Conference (WCC) matchup. The Bulldogs, known for their resilience and tactical prowess, are set to face a rejuvenated Dons team that is currently on a roll. Gonzaga’s recent road victory over Pacific, a 78-61 triumph, showcased the depth and versatility of their squad. Braden Huff, coming off the bench, made a significant impact with 17 points, shooting an impressive 7-of-10 from the field. Khalif Battle was equally impressive, contributing 16 points and maintaining perfect accuracy from the free-throw line, going 9-for-9. This combination of bench strength and consistent performance from key players bodes well for Gonzaga as they return home to face a formidable opponent.
San Francisco’s Momentum Heading into the Match
San Francisco, on the other hand, has been on a four-game winning streak, demonstrating their growing confidence and strategic adaptability. The Dons secured a narrow 65-64 victory over Saint Mary’s at home last Thursday, a game that was as thrilling as it was crucial. They followed this up with a solid 72-66 road win against Loyola Marymount on Saturday. These wins have not only solidified their standing in the WCC but also highlighted their ability to perform under pressure. With a balanced lineup and a knack for clutch performances, the Dons will be a tough test for the Bulldogs. The game promises to be a high-stakes affair, with implications for both teams’ conference standings and NCAA Tournament seeding.
Game Details and Viewing Options
The showdown between Gonzaga and San Francisco is scheduled to tip off at 11 p.m. ET or 8:00 p.m. PT on Thursday, Feb. 13. The game will be played at the McCarthey Athletic Center, Gonzaga’s home court, which is known for its raucous and supportive atmosphere. Fans can catch the action live on ESPN, which will provide national coverage. For those without cable, Sling offers a live stream option, ensuring that basketball enthusiasts can follow the game from anywhere. The radio broadcast will also be available on SiriusXM channel 386, and online for the San Francisco broadcast. New users can enjoy a free month of SiriusXM, giving them access to live NBA, NFL, MLB, and NHL games, as well as NASCAR, college sports, and more, with multiple sport-specific channels for comprehensive coverage.
Gonzaga’s Upcoming Schedule
Gonzaga’s next five games on their 2025 schedule are a mix of home and away matches, each with its own set of challenges. After the San Francisco game, the Bulldogs will host Pepperdine on Feb. 15 at 10:00 p.m. ET. This will be followed by an away game at Washington State on Feb. 19 at 9:00 p.m. ET. Gonzaga will then return home to take on Saint Mary’s on Feb. 22 at 8:00 p.m. ET, a rematch that will likely be as intense and closely contested as their previous encounters. The final game on this stretch will see the Bulldogs traveling to Santa Clara on Feb. 25 for a 11:00 p.m. ET tip-off. Each of these games is critical for Gonzaga’s conference standing and their overall season goals.
San Francisco’s Next Matchups
San Francisco’s upcoming schedule is equally demanding, with a series of away and home games that will test their mettle. Following the game against Gonzaga, the Dons will travel to San Diego on Feb. 15 for a 10:00 p.m. ET match. They will then return home to face Pacific on Feb. 20 at 10:00 p.m. ET. Next, San Francisco heads to Oregon State on Feb. 26 for a 11:00 p.m. ET game. The Dons’ schedule concludes with a home game against Gonzaga on Mar. 1 at 11:00 p.m. ET, a rematch that could have significant implications for both teams’ conference rankings. These games will be crucial for San Francisco as they aim to maintain their winning momentum and secure a strong position in the WCC.
The Road Ahead and What’s at Stake
Both Gonzaga and San Francisco are heading into this game with a lot on the line. For Gonzaga, a win would solidify their position in the WCC and boost their chances of a favorable NCAA Tournament seeding. For San Francisco, maintaining their winning streak is essential to their conference standing and to build momentum for the upcoming tournament. The performances of players like Braden Huff and Khalif Battle for Gonzaga, and the Dons’ ability to excel under pressure, will be key factors in determining the outcome. This game is more than just a matchup; it is a showcase of the best the WCC has to offer, and fans can expect a competitive and high-energy battle. As the season progresses, every win or loss could tip the scales in either team’s favor, making this a must-watch event for college basketball aficionados.
