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Gonzaga`s Graham Ike faces Saint Mary`s in a crucial rivalry game amid a packed college basketball schedule.

February`s first Saturday promises thrilling college basketball action, highlighted by a crucial matchup between Gonzaga and Saint Mary`s. This rivalry game is pivotal for both teams as Gonzaga, currently projected as an 8-seed in the latest ESPN Bracketology, seeks to solidify its postseason aspirations. Meanwhile, Saint Mary`s, favored to clinch the WCC regular season title, boasts an impressive 14-game road winning streak, the longest in the nation.

Under the guidance of coach Randy Bennett, Saint Mary`s has made a postseason appearance for 16 consecutive seasons and is projected as a 9-seed in the NCAA Tournament. The team`s momentum is bolstered by standout performances, particularly from senior forward Graham Ike of Gonzaga. Ike has been a scoring machine, netting 20 or more points in four of his last five games, including a notable 22-point outing against the Beavers. He ranks fourth in the WCC with an average of 19.0 points per game and leads the conference in field goal percentage at 60.3%.

In addition to this marquee matchup, the day features several other high-stakes games. No. 5 Florida will clash with No. 8 Tennessee at 9 a.m. PT, followed by No. 14 Mississippi State taking on No. 20 Missouri at 10 a.m. PT. The action continues with No. 1 Auburn facing No. 23 Ole Miss at 11 a.m. PT. The afternoon slate includes No. 11 Kansas battling Baylor in a critical Big 12 showdown at 1 p.m. on ESPN, and the historic rivalry between No. 2 Duke and North Carolina at 3:30 p.m. on ESPN.

With so much on the line, fans can expect an electrifying atmosphere as these teams vie for supremacy on the court.

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