This week features a significant clash in the college basketball scene as No. 14 Gonzaga prepares to take on No. 22 UCLA, marking the sole matchup between ranked teams in the AP Top 25 for the Christmas holiday week.
Gonzaga’s head coach, Mark Few, directed his team to victory against Bucknell last Saturday and immediately set his sights on the upcoming game against UCLA. The contest promises to be pivotal for the NCAA Tournament seeding, adding an extra layer of importance for both teams. “It’s a good series for us,” Few remarked. “It’s certainly what TV wants to see, fans want to see. And this year it’s another one of those high-level games that’ll help in seeding.”
In contrast, UCLA head coach Mick Cronin faces the challenge of regrouping after his team suffered a loss to North Carolina in New York. The Bruins had squandered a 16-point lead in Madison Square Garden, a defeat characterized by missed free throws and a critical turnover late in the game. Cronin stated, “There are no silver linings in losses, none. You’ve got to make free throws. Your point guard has to take care of the ball at the end of the game. That’s what real teams do.”
The game will be played at the newly opened Intuit Dome, the home of the Los Angeles Clippers, as part of a two-year agreement between the programs. The following year’s game will take place at Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena. This tradition highlights the high level of competition and the significance of the rivalry between these two basketball powerhouses.
At stake for both teams is not only a win but also crucial momentum as they edge closer to their conference play schedules. Gonzaga, carrying a 9-3 record, is on a recovery path after previous setbacks against Kentucky and UConn. Coach Few intends to keep the team sharp, with players returning for a Christmas Day workout to prepare for the upcoming game with UCLA’s Bruins.
This particular week is a quiet one in the AP Top 25 schedule, providing a period of rest and recovery, with 12 of the ranked teams not having games. This lull offers Gonzaga and UCLA a unique spotlight, with both teams eyeing rankings and eager to demonstrate their mettle on the court.
As anticipation builds for the game between Gonzaga and UCLA, both teams are looking to assert their dominance and refine their skills. This matchup serves as an early test of their championship aspirations and a valuable opportunity to gain confidence before entering the more gruelling phase of their seasons.
Source: Local10
