Gonzaga’s Graham Ike delivered an outstanding performance, leading the Bulldogs to a commanding victory over the Kentucky Wildcats with a score of 94-59 on December 5, 2025. The 6-foot-9 center showcased his skills at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, marking his second consecutive game of 28 points against Kentucky.
In a post-game interview, Ike responded to a question about his favorable matchups against the Wildcats by subtly showing three fingers, a nod to his impressive scoring record against the team. He noted, “Honestly it’s just really our brand and style of basketball. Forcing the ball inside, high-lows, duck-ins, just trying to get other guys open.” His performance was complemented by teammates Braeden Smith and Mario Saint-Supery, who also contributed significantly to the win.
After a disappointing loss to Michigan, where Ike struggled with just one point and missed all of his shots, the Bulldogs needed a strong comeback. The nine days between games fueled Ike’s determination to bounce back. He remarked, “It was a great opportunity to see what we’re made of, and we responded well. I’m proud of the guys.”
Ike’s opening moments against Kentucky were shaky, as he missed his first three attempts, including a layup. However, he quickly found his rhythm, scoring 17 points by halftime and finishing the game with a total of 28 points. Remarkably, his ten two-point field goals exceeded Kentucky’s entire team total of nine. Additionally, he converted his only three-point attempt.
The Bulldogs dominated in the paint, outscoring the Wildcats 46-18, which was a stark contrast to their previous outing against Michigan. Gonzaga also out-rebounded Kentucky 43-31, reclaiming control on the boards after their earlier loss.
Ike’s cumulative statistics against Kentucky over the last three games are impressive: 79 points, shooting 30 of 51 from the field, 2 of 3 from beyond the arc, and 17 of 23 at the foul line, alongside 26 rebounds and eight assists. His record now stands at 2-1 against the Wildcats, with victories at Rupp Arena and Bridgestone Arena, plus a narrow overtime loss in Seattle.
The atmosphere in Nashville was charged, with a large contingent of Kentucky supporters present. Ike embraced the challenge, stating, “I have no problem with it at all,” while acknowledging the thrill of competing in hostile environments.
Kentucky’s head coach, Mark Pope, criticized his team’s defensive performance, describing it as “really poor.” He acknowledged that while the team attempted to display physicality, it was insufficient for effective defense against Gonzaga’s tactics.
Ike’s ability to recover from his earlier performance demonstrates his resilience. He said, “The last game was an anomaly, but you live with it. Just get back in the gym and be who we are.” His confidence and determination were evident as he prepared for future matchups, aiming to continue his strong form as Gonzaga progresses through the season.
