The West Coast Conference race continues as the Pacific Tigers travel to face the No. 8 Gonzaga Bulldogs at the McCarthey Athletic Center. This matchup looks like a classic test of momentum versus dominance. Gonzaga enters the game in strong form and has been nearly unbeatable at home, while Pacific is trying to stop a recent slide and pull off one of the biggest upsets of its season.
For Gonzaga, this game is about maintaining control at the top of the conference and continuing its push toward a strong NCAA Tournament seed. The Bulldogs have responded well after their earlier upset loss and are now playing disciplined basketball on both ends of the floor. Pacific, on the other hand, comes in with a competitive record but has struggled against top opponents and now faces one of the toughest road environments in college basketball. The history between these teams also heavily favors Gonzaga, which has dominated the series for years.
Match Details
| Match | Pacific Tigers vs Gonzaga Bulldogs |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026 |
| Venue | McCarthey Athletic Center, Spokane (Washington) |
| Tip-off | 9:00 PM ET |
| India Time (IST) | 7:30 AM IST (Feb. 22) |
| Live Streaming | ESPN+ |
| Live Updates | ESPN app and official game trackers |
Team Form & Last Game
| Team | Record | Last Game Result |
|---|---|---|
| Gonzaga | 26-2 (14-1 WCC) | Won 80–59 at San Francisco |
| Pacific | 17-12 (8-8 WCC) | Lost 87–70 at Washington State |
Gonzaga has now won and covered four straight games, showing strong defense by allowing around 60 points per game during this stretch. Pacific, meanwhile, has lost four of its last six and is struggling to find consistency, especially away from home.
Head-to-Head Trend
- Gonzaga has dominated the matchup historically.
- Pacific has struggled badly in Spokane, winning only once in many visits.
- The Tigers are currently trying to end a long losing streak in the series.
- Even when games stay competitive early, Gonzaga’s depth usually creates separation in the second half.
Key Players to Watch
| Gonzaga | Impact |
|---|---|
| Graham Ike | Team leader, on a strong scoring run with multiple 20+ point games and double-doubles |
| Supporting frontcourt | Physical inside play and strong rebounding advantage |
| Pacific | Impact |
|---|---|
| Elias Ralph | Leading scorer and primary offensive option |
| Jaden Clayton | Playmaking guard who must control tempo to keep the game close |
Pacific relies heavily on perimeter shooting and half-court execution, but Gonzaga’s defense has been effective at limiting scoring opportunities.
Injury Report
| Team | Player | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Gonzaga | Braden Huff | Out (knee injury) |
| Pacific | — | No major injuries reported |
Gonzaga still has strong depth despite Huff’s absence, while Pacific enters close to full strength.
Also see: Most Points by a Freshman in a College Basketball Game
Latest Odds Snapshot
| Market | Line |
|---|---|
| Spread | Gonzaga -20.5 to -21.5 |
| Moneyline | Gonzaga heavy favorite |
| Over/Under | Around 143.5 – 144.5 |
The large spread shows the clear talent gap between the two teams, especially with Gonzaga playing at home.
Game Analysis
This matchup comes down to tempo and defensive control. Pacific prefers a slower pace and efficient three-point shooting to stay competitive. If the Tigers can limit turnovers and avoid second-chance points, they may keep the margin respectable early.
However, Gonzaga’s strength is its balance. The Bulldogs rank among the top teams in scoring efficiency while also limiting opponents to low shooting percentages. Their size and rebounding edge create extra possessions, and their defense has been especially strong since the early February setback.
Another key factor is home dominance. Gonzaga has built one of the toughest home environments in the conference, and the Bulldogs have consistently turned games into double-digit wins in Spokane.
Best Picks & Prediction
- Winner: Gonzaga Bulldogs
- Spread Pick: Gonzaga -21.5 (lean)
- Total Pick: Under 144.5 (lean, based on recent defensive trends)
Projected Score: Gonzaga 85, Pacific 60
Gonzaga’s depth, defensive form, and home advantage make them a strong favorite to control this game from start to finish. Pacific may compete early, but over 40 minutes the Bulldogs are expected to pull away comfortably.
Gonzaga is in rhythm at the right time, and this matchup looks like another step toward securing a top conference finish. For Pacific, this game is more about gaining experience against elite competition. Fans can expect a strong defensive performance and another convincing home win for the Bulldogs.
