No. 16 Gonzaga vs. Oregon State: A Historic Rivalry Reignites After 34 Years

The Gonzaga Bulldogs and the Oregon State Beavers are set to renew a storied rivalry that dates back decades, with an exciting matchup at Gill Coliseum in Corvallis, Oregon. This marks the first meeting between the two programs in 34 years, adding a layer of nostalgia and intrigue to this Thursday night’s West Coast Conference (WCC) showdown.

A Rivalry Rooted in History

Oregon State holds a commanding 25-2 all-time record over Gonzaga. However, much has changed since their last meeting in the 1990-91 season, when the Bulldogs were years away from becoming a perennial NCAA powerhouse.

The Beavers have dominated the rivalry, winning 12 straight games against Gonzaga. The Bulldogs’ last victory came in 1932, and their all-time record in Corvallis is a dismal 1-8. However, the Bulldogs now enter the matchup as the No. 16 team in the nation, bringing championship pedigree and a streak of 11 consecutive road wins.

The Current Context: WCC Dynamics

This season’s matchup is made possible by Oregon State’s temporary inclusion in the WCC following the Pac-12’s breakup. The Beavers are thriving in their new environment, boasting a 13-5 record (3-2 in WCC play). Gonzaga, with a 14-4 record (5-0 WCC), is undefeated in conference play and remains a dominant force.

Gonzaga coach Mark Few welcomes the increased competition from Oregon State and other former Pac-12 teams. “The (WCC) is going to be a lot tougher this year,” Few said. “The additions are very, very good. They’re big, they’re physical, and they have some nice players.”

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Oregon State: Key Players to Watch

• Michael Rataj: The Beavers’ star player leads the team in scoring (16.6 points per game), rebounding (8.5), steals (38), and blocks (13). His versatility makes him a game-changer on both ends of the court.
• Parsa Fallah: Averaging 12.3 points, Fallah has been on a tear, scoring 25 points in three separate games this season, including a dominant performance in a 91-55 victory over Pacific.
• Nate Kingz: A sharpshooter hitting 49.3% of his three-point attempts, Kingz has made a team-best 35 treys.

The Beavers’ balanced scoring and strong defense will be crucial as they aim to extend their winning streak against the Bulldogs.

Gonzaga: A Balanced Powerhouse

The Bulldogs bring a deep roster with six players averaging double-digit points.

• Graham Ike: Leading Gonzaga with 16.6 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, Ike has delivered seven 20-point games this season, including 21 points on 8-of-11 shooting against Washington State.
• Ryan Nembhard: One of the nation’s top playmakers, Nembhard averages 11.4 points and 9.4 assists per game, ranking second nationally in assists.
• Khalif Battle: Contributing 13.4 points per game, Battle adds scoring depth alongside Braden Huff (11.4), Ben Gregg (10.2), and Nolan Hickman (10.0).

Gonzaga’s offensive firepower and disciplined execution will test Oregon State’s defense.

Game Implications and Future Outlook
This game carries implications beyond the court. Gonzaga, Oregon State, and Washington State are set to join a restructured Pac-12 in the 2026-27 season. Their inclusion in the WCC has already heightened competition and brought fresh energy to the conference.

Both teams are in strong form, with Gonzaga riding a five-game win streak and Oregon State showing resilience after back-to-back road wins last week.

Prediction and Anticipation

This matchup promises to be a high-stakes battle between a historically dominant home team and a Gonzaga squad determined to reverse decades of misfortune in Corvallis. With passionate fans, standout players, and contrasting styles of play, this game could become an instant classic.

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