St. Mary’s upsets No. 6 Gonzaga 74-67 in WCC showdown, Mitchell Saxen leads offensive attack

St. Mary’s shocked No. 6 Gonzaga in a stunning 74-67 West Coast Conference battle on January 31, 2026. The Gaels dominated the Kennel with balanced offensive firepower, led by Mitchell Saxen’s 16 points and key contributions from Mikey Lewis. This upset marks a crucial moment in the rivalry.

Saxen Powers Gaels Past Ranked Bulldogs in Spokane

Mitchell Saxen delivered a workmanlike performance to lead the Saint Mary’s offensive attack with efficiency and consistency. The 6-foot-10 forward commanded the paint with nine rebounds, controlling the glass in crucial moments. Saxen’s steady two-way play set the tone early, mixing midrange buckets with strong interior defense. His presence proved impossible for Graham Ike and the Gonzaga big men to manage.

Saint Mary’s built a 41-31 halftime lead through superior ball movement and 51.5% first-half shooting. The Gaels never trailed once they took control, playing with poise and purpose. Saxen’s consistency allowed Saint Mary’s to absorb defensive adjustments without panic.

Lewis Erupts from Bench to Seal Upset Victory

Mikey Lewis proved the difference-maker off the bench, lighting up the Gonzaga defense with 18 points and five three-pointers in limited minutes. The freshman sensation showed no fear against a ranked opponent, hitting crucial shots in the second half. Lewis finished 5-7 from three, demonstrating pure shooting form under pressure.

Luke Barrett added 14 points with eight rebounds, providing secondary scoring punch. The Gaels’ balanced approach made Gonzaga’s defensive adjustments nearly impossible. Saint Mary’s converted 12 of 15 free throws, showcasing clutch execution down the stretch.

Gonzaga Stumbles Despite Ike’s 19-Point Effort

Graham Ike led the Bulldogs with 19 points and five rebounds in a losing effort. The senior power forward fought valiantly but lacked consistent support from teammates. Nolan Hickman contributed 14 points, yet the Bulldogs’ three-point shooting collapsed at just 28.6%.

Ryan Nembhard managed 11 points and eight assists but couldn’t spark the Gonzaga offense sufficiently. The No. 6 ranking provided no protection against Saint Mary’s intensity. Gonzaga shot 48.2% overall but struggled with consistency throughout the contest, particularly from beyond the arc.

Team Stat	St. Mary’s	Gonzaga
Field Goal %	44.3% (27-61)	48.2% (27-56)
Three-Point %	40.0% (8-20)	28.6% (4-14)
Free Throw %	80.0% (12-15)	75.0% (9-12)
Total Rebounds	39	26

“Saint Mary’s never trailed after taking control early. The Gaels executed at both ends with precision and refused to let Gonzaga find momentum.”

— WCC observers noted the Gaels’ dominant performance

Championship Implications for West Coast Conference

This victory marks a statement win for Saint Mary’s in the WCC race. The Gaels improved to 19-3 with 8-1 conference record, moving closer to securing the regular season title. Gonzaga falls to 21-1 overall, 9-0 WCC before this loss, with championship aspirations tested against Saint Mary’s tenacity.

The McArthey Athletic Center proved not an impenetrable fortress this time. Saint Mary’s rebounding dominance and free throw execution proved decisive. The Gaels’ win demonstrates they belong in any national conversation, capable of beating elite competition on the road.

What’s Next for These WCC Rivals in Their Championship Push?

Saint Mary’s will look to continue momentum against the rest of the WCC schedule, building confidence from this signature victory. The Gaels’ balanced attack, led by Saxen and Lewis, proved they can win multiple ways. Every upcoming conference game carries playoff implications.

Gonzaga must regroup quickly despite the setback at home. The Bulldogs maintain elite talent, but discovering consistency will determine their tournament seeding. Will Gonzaga respond with urgency, or can Saint Mary’s make this the beginning of a longer run toward conference supremacy?

Sources

• ESPN – Live coverage and final statistics from January 31, 2026 game
• SMC California Athletics – Complete box score and team performance data
• West Coast Conference – Official conference standings and records