The Gonzaga Bulldogs have started their final season as members of the West Coast Conference (WCC) with a 3-0 record, but the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. The team has faced several tough moments, particularly in the closing minutes of games, which have tested their resilience and adaptability.

In a recent matchup against San Diego at Jenny Craig Pavilion, the Zags struggled in the final seven minutes, showing signs of fatigue and inconsistency. This trend continued when they hosted Seattle University, a new addition to the WCC. Despite a rocky performance, Gonzaga managed to force overtime after Seattle’s offense cooled down late in regulation. The team’s ability to pull through these moments highlights the importance of key players stepping up when it matters most.

One such player is Tyon Grant-Foster, who has become a critical asset for the Bulldogs in WCC play. After a period of inconsistent performance during non-conference games, Grant-Foster has found his rhythm and is making a significant impact both offensively and defensively. His contributions have been vital in helping the team navigate through difficult stretches.

In the game against Seattle University, Grant-Foster delivered an impressive performance, scoring 19 points, grabbing five rebounds, and blocking five shots. He shot 7-9 from the field and 4-5 from the free throw line, showcasing his efficiency and versatility. What stood out was his ability to perform under pressure, especially in overtime. He scored eight of his points during that period, including three lay-ins and two crucial free throws with 15 seconds left on the clock. Additionally, he secured his fifth block on a three-point attempt by Brayden Maldonado, sealing the victory for Gonzaga.

Grant-Foster’s ability to drive downhill and finish strong was exactly what the team needed. During the game, the Zags struggled with missed shots at the rim and turnovers in transition, similar to their issues in the previous game against San Diego. His presence provided the necessary spark to turn things around.

“He can make some plays and he can go downhill and get some finishes,” said coach Mark Few after the game. “He had some really, really strong finishes, which is what we needed. We were getting the ball to certain points and we just weren’t finishing very strong.”

Huff, another key player, echoed these sentiments. “He’s one of the best downhill drivers I’ve played with, so once he gets downhill, and was able to kind of utilize that pump fake; there’s not much you can do to stop it. He took over in overtime for us, which was huge.”

Grant-Foster has now averaged 18, 18, and 19 points in his first three conference games, shooting an impressive 76.9% from the field and 4-5 from three-point range. His scoring isn’t the only way he’s impacting the game—his defensive contributions are equally significant. In the game against Seattle, he recorded a season-high five blocks, bringing his total to nine in three conference games.

All five of his blocks against Seattle came on perimeter shots, a rare skill that proved invaluable. Not only did these blocks alter key possessions, but Grant-Foster’s presence also made the Redhawks hesitant on the perimeter, contributing to their late-game scoring drought.

“He’s just got a real gift for blocking shots out there on the perimeter,” Few added. “It’s crazy. I’ve never had a guy like that [who] can just challenge a shot and block it. You don’t see very many perimeter [guys] block shots, and he does it a lot.”

As the season progresses, Grant-Foster’s consistency will be crucial for Gonzaga’s success. With 12.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game across 20.8 minutes, he has become one of the most valuable players on the roster. His ability to impact the game both offensively and defensively makes him a key factor in the team’s pursuit of the WCC title and a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.