The Dons and Bulldogs: A Storied Rivalry Continues
The Looming Farewell to Bay Area Rivals
The Gonzaga Bulldogs, currently holding an impressive 20-1 record and an undefeated 8-0 in the WCC, are poised to face their Bay Area rivals, the San Francisco Dons. This matchup carries a bittersweet undertone, as the future of Gonzaga's regular competition against teams like the Dons, Santa Clara Broncos, and potentially the Saint Mary's Gaels, appears uncertain. The departure from these familiar foes marks a shift in the landscape of West Coast Conference basketball.
Spotlight on San Francisco's Rising Star: Tyrone Riley IV
San Francisco's sophomore guard, Tyrone Riley IV, is at the forefront of the Dons' efforts. Coming off a stellar freshman year, Riley has significantly elevated his game, averaging 12.1 points with remarkable shooting percentages: 50.8% from the field, 43.3% from beyond the arc, and 70.6% from the free-throw line. His all-around contribution is further highlighted by his 4.9 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game, positioning him as a key player to watch in the upcoming contest.
Dons' Season: Navigating High Hopes and Hurdles
Under the leadership of coach Chris Gerlufsen and former Zag Kyle Bankhead, the Dons entered the 2025-26 season with high expectations that have yet to be fully realized. The team has encountered a demanding non-conference schedule and the inherent difficulties of the West Coast Conference, leading to a mixed bag of results. Notable losses to teams like the Memphis Tigers, Saint Louis Billikens, and upsets by the Oregon State Beavers and Loyola Marymount Lions underscore a challenging season thus far.
Ryan Beasley: The Engine of the Dons' Offense
Junior guard Ryan Beasley plays a pivotal role in orchestrating the Dons' offense. Described by Riley IV as a "twitchy" player, Beasley's ability to facilitate plays for his teammates while also creating his own scoring opportunities makes him a dynamic force. He leads the team with 14.2 points, 3.4 assists, and 1.3 steals per game, serving as the vocal leader on the court and a critical component of Gerlufson's strategy.
Impact of Injuries: Mookie Cook's Absence and David Fuchs' Rise
The San Francisco Dons have been significantly impacted by injuries, most notably the absence of junior forward Mookie Cook, a 2023 McDonald's All-American. Cook has missed the last seven games due to a knee sprain, a substantial loss given his offensive prowess and defensive length. Stepping up in his stead is junior forward David Fuchs, a transfer from Rhode Island, who has been instrumental in the frontcourt, averaging a team-high 7.4 rebounds and contributing 11.9 points per game with impressive shooting efficiency.
Gonzaga's Injury Woes and the Rebounding Battle
Gonzaga is also grappling with its own injury challenges, with graduate forward Graham Ike's right ankle status questionable and redshirt junior forward Braden Huff sidelined for one to two months with a left knee injury. These setbacks highlight the importance of rebounding in the upcoming game, especially as the Zags may be forced to play small-ball. The Dons, averaging 38.0 rebounds per game, will look to exploit this area against Gonzaga's conference-leading 42.9 rebounds per game.
A Legacy of Dominance: Gonzaga's Impressive Streak
The historical rivalry between the Zags and the Dons has been largely dominated by Gonzaga, who boasts an astounding 33-game winning streak against San Francisco. Since 1979, coach Mark Few's program leads the all-time series 77-22. Gonzaga enters this contest on a 13-game winning streak, marking the fifth-longest active streak in college basketball and underscoring their consistent excellence.