The West Coast Rivalry: Gonzaga vs. UCLA Preview

This intense conflict with the two household college basketball names, the No. 8 Gonzaga Bulldogs (9-1, 0-0 WCC) and the No. 25 UCLA Bruins (7-2, 2-0 Big Ten), has created a handful of memories for both fanbases. Some bad, mostly good. Here are a few that come to mind:

2006: Adam Morrison’s final collegiate game in the Sweet 16

2021: Jalen Suggs’ half-court game-winner in the Final Four

2023: Julian Strawther’s game-winning three-pointer in the Sweet 16

This season’s matchup has the returning Zags like graduate forward Graham Ike and redshirt junior forward Braden Huff (the dynamic frontcourt duo is averaging 33.4 points and 13.2 rebounds per game this season) foaming out of the mouth at the idea of getting revenge for the 65-62 loss from last season at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. This will be yet another physical bout inside the paint and a likely close game between the two historic programs.

Bruins coach Mick Cronin couldn’t hold his tongue when speaking to the media about the 8:30 p.m. PT tip-off, which many can agree is ridiculously too late for such a high-level game. The television ratings will be affected by it drastically.

“Don’t get me started, trying to stay positive. It’s ridiculous. Why don’t we just play at midnight?… I mean what are we doing? It’s so disappointing, it’s so crazy… Let’s tip it off at 11:30. My dad’s real happy about it. He’s 84, he’s going to have to take two naps on Saturday to watch us play Saturday night. I mean what are we doing? I’ve got no words.” – UCLA Bruins coach Mick Cronin

Cronin also stated that UCLA made more money playing the Arizona Wildcats, California Golden Bears, and Gonzaga at neutral sites this season than it would have made in the Players Era Festival during his press conference leading up to Saturday’s battle. Something to ponder, as Cronin has always been one to speak his mind.

UCLA’s Player to Watch For:

Senior guard Donovan Dent – 12.0 points on 36.2 field goal shooting, team-leading 6.4 assists, 2.4 rebounds, 1.4 steals per game

One of the most sought-after players in the offseason transfer portal, even the Zags’ coaching staff was going after the 6-2 product. With the New Mexico Lobos, Dent was named the 2025 Mountain West Conference Player of the Year. He’s a high-level playmaker with explosive speed and body control when going to the rim. The NBA potential is all there.

Although, Dent’s now struggling more than ever from beyond the arc at an ugly 7.7 percent. That could partly be due to him dealing with an oblique/foot injury to start the year. Forcing Dent into tough looks on the perimeter will get him out of his rhythm when trying to lead the Bruins’ offense.

The quick change of pace from the UCLA guards is going to be tough for Gonzaga to deal with. Alongside senior guard Skyy Clark, sophomore guard Trent Perry, and junior wing Eric Dailey Jr., the ball-handling and play-making abilities are as talented as any opponent that the Zags have faced this season to this point. Winning the turnover differential matters in this one (Bruins at 1o.9 per game for the tied No. 77-least; Zags at 10.5 for No. 64-least).

Will Spaniard freshman lead guard Mario Saint Supery (team-leading 5.0 assists and 1.7 steals per game) and backup redshirt junior point guard Braeden Smith (second in assists/steals at 4.5/1.4 per game) be up for the challenge that Cronin’s backcourt presents? The help-side defense from Gonzaga needs to be top-notch when dealing with the plethora of UCLA guards attacking them.

Finding ways to slow down senior forward Tyler Bilodeau

The heart of this Bruins offense is the leading scorer on a nightly basis at 15.6 points per game on a shooting split of 52.1 field goal percent/34.6 three-point percent/88.9 free throw percent. The defense from the likes of junior Emmanuel Innocenti and senior Jalen Warley, as well as graduates Tyon Grant-Foster and Steele Venters, out on the wing and the low block, needs to be at its best when sizing up the 6-9 Bilodeau. There will be a variety of opposition thrown at him by Few.

Continue to win the bench production

Gonzaga has found its scoring success when everyone is contributing across the board. With nine players averaging 17.0 minutes per game, Zags coach Mark Few has submitted five different starting lineups through the first 10 games of 2025-26.

The depth and having the reliability to call upon anyone’s name to step in is what makes this team so successful, and that includes the three former conference players of the year coming off the bench. As of right now, the bench from Spokane, Washington, is averaging 36.9 points per game (No. 21-highest in the NCAA).

Betting Odds/How to Watch:

According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Gonzaga is the favorite over UCLA by 9.5 points. Moneyline is set for the Zags at -610 and +440 for the Bruins. The over/under is set at 154.5.

The game time is set for Saturday, Dec. 13, at 8:30 p.m. PT on ESPN inside the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington, for another edition of the “Battle in Seattle.” Gonzaga holds a 7-3 lead in the thrilling all-time series versus UCLA.

Gonzaga’s NET/KenPom Update:

In the NET rankings, the Zags are No. 3 overall with a 3-1 record in Quad 1 opportunities and a 1-0 record in Quad 2 opportunities. This matchup with No. 31 UCLA is a chance to add another Quad 1 victory on a neutral court.

As for KenPom, Gonzaga is No. 3 with the sixth-ranked offense and fourth-ranked defense.

Arden Cravalho is a Gonzaga University graduate from the Bay Area… Follow him on X @a_cravalho