Look, if you’re trying to keep up with the Gonzaga basketball schedule, you’ve probably realized by now that the West Coast Conference isn’t exactly what it used to be. With the "Pac-2" leftovers and some weirdly scheduled neutral-site games, the Zags are basically living out of suitcases this year. It's January 17, 2026, and Mark Few has his squad sitting at 18-1. They just finished dismantling Washington State in Pullman, 86-65, and honestly, the game wasn't even as close as the score looked.
Graham Ike is playing like a man possessed. He dropped 23 and 11 against the Cougars, marking his 11th double-double of the season. But if you think the rest of the month is a cakewalk, you haven't been paying attention to how thin this roster is getting with Braden Huff sidelined.
The Immediate Outlook for January 2026
Tonight, the Bulldogs are in Seattle to face the Redhawks at Climate Pledge Arena. It’s a 7:00 PM local tip-off on ESPN+. This is one of those "trap games" fans always talk about. Seattle U isn't world-beaters at 13-6, but playing in that big arena after an emotional road win against a rival like WSU? That’s where things get shaky.
After the Seattle trip, the team finally heads back to the McCarthey Athletic Center. You’ve got Pepperdine coming to town on January 21, and then a Saturday showdown with San Francisco on the 24th. The big one, though, is January 31. Saint Mary’s. It’s always Saint Mary’s. That game is a 7:30 PM ESPN broadcast, and it’ll likely decide who takes the pole position for the WCC regular-season title.
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Key Matchups Remaining
- January 17: @ Seattle U (Climate Pledge Arena) – 7:00 PM on ESPN+
- January 21: vs. Pepperdine – 6:00 PM on ESPN+
- January 24: vs. San Francisco – 5:00 PM on CBS Sports Network
- January 31: vs. Saint Mary's – 7:30 PM on ESPN
Why the Schedule Looks Different This Year
The Zags aren't just playing a standard WCC slate. Because of the conference realignment chaos, they’ve had to be creative. Remember that Michigan game back in November? The 101-61 loss was a total shock to the system. It’s the only blemish on the record, but it showed that when the Zags aren't hitting from deep, they can be vulnerable against high-major size.
Ever since that blowout in Vegas, they've won 11 straight. They've beaten Kentucky in Nashville and handled UCLA in Seattle. Mark Few basically scheduled this like an NBA team's travel itinerary.
Georgetown and the Other GU
It’s funny, because if you’re searching for the "GU" schedule on the East Coast, you’re looking for Ed Cooley and the Hoyas. They’re in a completely different world. While Gonzaga is cruising at 18-1, Georgetown is grinding through the Big East at 9-8. They have a massive game today, actually. They’re hosting No. 4 UConn at Capital One Arena.
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If you're a Hoya fan, the road doesn't get easier. They head to Villanova on January 21 and then Providence on the 24th. It’s a brutal stretch that will probably determine if they even sniff a bubble conversation in March.
What’s Next for Gonzaga?
The real challenge for the Gonzaga basketball schedule starts in February. They have a four-game road trip that is going to be absolutely exhausting. They go from Portland to Corvallis (playing Oregon State), then back to Spokane for a quick home game against WSU, before flying down to the Bay Area for Santa Clara and USF.
Managing Graham Ike's minutes is going to be the biggest factor. Without Braden Huff healthy, the frontcourt is basically Ike and a prayer. Ismaila Diagne has been solid off the glass, but he’s not a scoring threat yet.
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Essential Action Steps for Fans
If you're planning to follow the Zags through the home stretch, here is what you need to do:
- Check the Broadcasters: Half these games are on ESPN+, but the big ones like Saint Mary’s and San Francisco (the second matchup) are on major cable. Don't get caught without a login ten minutes before tip.
- Monitor the Injury Report: Keep a close eye on Braden Huff's knee. If he’s not back by the Saint Mary’s game on the 31st, the Zags’ interior defense is going to be under immense pressure.
- Ticket Strategy: If you’re trying to get into The Kennel for the Saint Mary’s game, good luck. Secondary markets are already showing tickets north of $300. You're better off hitting the Seattle or Portland road games if you're on a budget.
The Zags are currently ranked No. 9 in the country. They have a legit shot at a 1-seed if they run the table in the WCC, but that loss to Michigan still looms large in the NET rankings. Every single game from here on out is about maintaining that efficiency. One "bad" loss in conference play could drop them two or three seed lines. Stay locked in, because the next three weeks will tell us if this team is a Final Four contender or just a very good West Coast team.