In Los Angeles, it’s reported by college basketball insider Jon Rothstein that the Gonzaga Bulldogs and UCLA Bruins are in the final stages of arranging a two-season series set to kick off this year.
Rothstein’s report indicates that Gonzaga and UCLA are nearing the finalization of an agreement for a two-year series, commencing with the inaugural game at the Intuit Dome, the new venue for the Los Angeles Clippers this season, and culminating in a rematch in Seattle during the 2025-26 season. However, specific dates and times for these games have yet to be confirmed.
Anticipated as a preseason top 25 matchup, Gonzaga holds the No. 4 spot in ESPN’s ‘Way-Too-Early Top 25’, while UCLA follows at No. 19. The upcoming series adds to the history between the two teams, which have faced off eight times since 1999, including three encounters in the NCAA Tournament.
In previous matchups, Gonzaga emerged victorious in the initial meetings in 1999 and 2014. However, UCLA turned the tables in subsequent games, notably in a non-conference clash at the Kennel in the following season. The rivalry intensified in the 2020-21 NCAA Tournament, where Gonzaga narrowly secured a semifinal victory over UCLA in overtime before advancing to the National Championship game.
The following season saw Gonzaga triumph over UCLA in a non-conference fixture in Las Vegas. In 2023, a dramatic three-pointer by Julian Strawther sealed UCLA’s fate in the Sweet 16, advancing Gonzaga to the Elite Eight. The most recent encounter, during the previous season, saw Gonzaga claim victory in the Maui Invitational.
Looking ahead, Gonzaga’s non-conference schedule for the upcoming season includes high-profile matchups such as the ‘Battle 4 Atlantis’ tournament featuring prominent teams like Arizona, Indiana, and Louisville, as well as rematches with UConn and other notable opponents like Kentucky and Washington.
