College basketball opened with a bang as No. 6 Gonzaga routed No. 8 Baylor 101-63 at the Spokane Arena on Monday night, securing their 19th consecutive season-opening victory in emphatic style. For the Bulldogs, the game was not only a show of offensive firepower but also redemption against a Baylor squad that had previously bested them twice, including in the 2021 National Championship game.
Leading the way for Gonzaga was guard Nolan Hickman, who put up 17 points in an efficient performance, while forward Graham Ike contributed a strong 15 points and eight rebounds. Braden Huff came off the bench to add 14 points, showcasing the depth that Gonzaga brings to the court this season. Gonzaga’s total offensive dominance resulted in a decisive 24-4 run in the second half, effectively sealing Baylor’s fate and propelling Gonzaga to its biggest win over a top-10 opponent in school history.
The victory was a statement by Gonzaga, who reached the 100-point mark against a ranked team for the first time since their 100-90 win over Alabama in December 2022. Shooting 57.1% from the field and 41.9% from three-point range, Gonzaga played with an intensity that made them look unstoppable on both ends of the floor. Graduate guard Khalif Battle’s trio of three-pointers late in the second half was a game-defining moment, extending Gonzaga’s lead beyond 30 points and leaving Baylor no chance of recovery.
For Baylor, it was an uncharacteristic night. The Bears missed their first five shots and never seemed to find their rhythm, finishing with a 37.1% shooting clip and a dismal 14.3% from beyond the arc. Gonzaga also dominated on the boards, outrebounding Baylor 45-32, with 16 of those rebounds coming on the offensive glass, translating into 17 crucial second-chance points.
Norchad Omier was a bright spot for Baylor, leading his team with 15 points and nine rebounds, while Robert Wright contributed 12 points and Josh Ojianwuna added 10. Despite these efforts, the Bears struggled to keep up with Gonzaga’s relentless pace and were held to their largest margin of defeat under head coach Scott Drew.
Baylor struggled out of the gate and couldn’t find a way to overcome Gonzaga’s defensive and rebounding edge. Shooting woes plagued them, particularly from three-point range, where they hit just 14.3% of their attempts. If the Bears are to stay competitive with top-ranked teams, they’ll need to improve their shooting and rebounding going forward.
Gonzaga’s efficiency and depth were on full display. Shooting over 57% from the field and dominating the boards, the Bulldogs demonstrated why they are one of the top contenders this season. The performance of key players like Hickman and Ike, coupled with a bench that provides firepower, underscores Gonzaga’s formidable depth.
Khalif Battle’s three consecutive three-pointers in the second half broke the game wide open, taking Gonzaga’s lead beyond 30 points and sealing the outcome. The graduate student finished with 12 points, all from beyond the arc, in a display of timely shooting that further demoralized the Bears.
Next up, Baylor will look to bounce back when they face No. 16 Arkansas in Dallas on Saturday. Meanwhile, Gonzaga will try to continue their early-season momentum as they host Arizona State on Sunday.
