Gonzaga Bulldogs vs Ucla Bruins Picks and Predictions December 28th 2024

No. 14 Gonzaga and No. 22 UCLA Renew Rivalry at Intuit Dome

In one of college basketball’s marquee matchups, No. 14 Gonzaga and No. 22 UCLA will face off Saturday in the inaugural college basketball game at the $2 billion Intuit Dome, the Los Angeles Clippers’ new state-of-the-art home. The latest chapter of this storied rivalry promises a thrilling clash between two top-tier programs.

Recent Rivalry History

The Bulldogs have dominated the rivalry recently, winning each of the last four meetings, including a narrow 69-65 victory in the Maui Invitational last season. Gonzaga’s victories over UCLA are often dramatic, with multiple games decided by just a few points. Fans of both programs are bracing for yet another nail-biter.

Gonzaga: Offensive Firepower

Gonzaga (9-3) leads the nation in scoring at 89.3 points per game, fueled by a well-balanced offensive attack. Six players average double figures, led by big man Graham Ike (15.5 points per game) and star point guard Ryan Nembhard, who averages a nation-best 10.2 assists per game.

Despite their high-scoring offense, close games have been a challenge for Gonzaga. They are 0-3 in games decided by fewer than eight points, including losses to Kentucky (90-89 in OT) and UConn (77-71). Head coach Mark Few knows his team will need to adjust to UCLA’s rugged defense.

“It’s going to be a really, really, really physical game,” Few said. “UCLA’s playing hard-nosed defense, keeping the scores down. … That’s going to be a real physical challenge, much like the UConn game.”

UCLA: Defensive Dominance

UCLA (10-2) enters Saturday’s game as one of the top defensive teams in the country, holding opponents to just 58.4 points per game, the third-best mark among power-conference teams. However, their offense has been inconsistent, as seen in their recent 76-74 loss to North Carolina, where they blew a 16-point second-half lead.

Key contributors for the Bruins include Tyler Bilodeau (15.1 points per game) and Sebastian Mack (10.3 points per game). They will rely on defensive anchors Kobe Johnson (2.3 steals per game) and Skyy Clark (1.8 steals per game) to slow Gonzaga’s high-powered offense.

Head coach Mick Cronin emphasized the need for better late-game execution, an area that cost UCLA against North Carolina. Cronin is pushing this group to match the grit and smarts of past teams that reached three straight Sweet 16s and two Final Fours.

Key Matchups

• Ryan Nembhard vs. UCLA’s Perimeter Defense: Nembhard’s ability to distribute the ball will be tested against the Bruins’ turnover-hungry guards.
• Graham Ike vs. UCLA’s Interior Defense: Ike’s low-post scoring and rebounding could be decisive against a tough Bruins frontcourt.
• UCLA’s Late-Game Offense: Can Bilodeau and Mack lead a consistent effort against Gonzaga’s dynamic scoring attack?

What’s at Stake

Both teams are looking to solidify their resumes as conference play looms. For Gonzaga, a win would bolster their standing after a few tough losses. For UCLA, rebounding from the loss to North Carolina is critical to building confidence for the second half of the season.

Who will cut down the nets? Find out in College Basketball Championship Odds!

Prediction

This game could come down to whether Gonzaga’s offense can outpace UCLA’s defense. While the Bruins have excelled at keeping scores low, Gonzaga’s depth and firepower might prove too much in a high-stakes environment.