Gonzaga’s highly anticipated rematch against Seattle U will be missing two key players as they face challenges ahead of the matchup. The Bulldogs, who narrowly defeated the Redhawks in overtime in Spokane just two weeks ago, will now play without their top big men, Braden Huff and Graham Ike.
Graham Ike has been ruled out for the upcoming game due to ankle soreness, a setback he picked up during the second half of their previous game against Washington State, where he had an impressive performance of 23 points and 11 rebounds. Ike was seen wearing a boot on his right ankle, reinforcing concerns regarding his availability. Meanwhile, Huff will miss 4-8 weeks with a knee injury sustained during practice, further depleting the Bulldogs’ frontcourt options.
In light of these injuries, freshman forward Parker Jefferson is expected to step in, having been seen warming up with the team. Although he originally planned to redshirt this season, his presence provides the Zags with an additional option. Jefferson was highly regarded as a three-star recruit and a top-50 center prospect for the 2025 class but has yet to make his collegiate debut.
The absence of both Ike and Huff will challenge Gonzaga as they prepare to face a Seattle U team that nearly toppled them a fortnight ago. In that overtime encounter, Ike and Huff combined for an impressive 52 points, underscoring their essential roles in the squad. Specifically, Huff led with 28 points on 11-for-14 shooting, while Ike contributed 24 points and 10 rebounds.
With two starters out, Gonzaga may rely more heavily on sophomore center Ismaila Diagne, although he too is managing a knee injury. Head coach Mark Few noted that Diagne played limited minutes due to his condition in the last game, but he remains a key figure in the lineup as the Bulldogs adapt to the circumstances.
As the game approaches, Ike, who ranks second in the West Coast Conference in scoring and rebounding, will be a significant miss for Gonzaga, but the team looks to maintain its competitive edge with fresh talent and strategic adjustments. The matchup is set to tip off at 7 p.m. on ESPN+ and KHQ, promising a fierce contest between the Bulldogs and the Redhawks despite the setbacks.