In a highly anticipated college basketball matchup, the Gonzaga Bulldogs will face off against the UCLA Bruins on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at 4 p.m. ET. The game will take place at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, and will be broadcast live on FOX.
Currently, Gonzaga holds a record of 9-3 while UCLA comes in at 10-2. The Bruins are looking to bounce back after a narrow defeat to North Carolina that ended their nine-game winning streak. UCLA led 59-43 in the second half but ultimately fell short, losing 76-74. Despite the loss, Tyler Bilodeau and Sebastian Mack put forth commendable performances, scoring 26 and 22 points, respectively.
On the other hand, Gonzaga is entering the game on a high note, having recently secured an impressive victory against Bucknell with a score of 86-65. The Bulldogs demonstrated their offensive prowess, notably through Graham Ike, who recorded a double-double of 25 points and ten rebounds. The team’s cohesive play was evident in their impressive tally of 21 assists compared to Bucknell’s nine.
As both teams prepare for this crucial contest, the match is expected to showcase their shooting talents. UCLA boasts an impressive field goal percentage of 48.2%, while Gonzaga leads with 49.6%. The last time these two teams met in November 2023, Gonzaga emerged victorious, winning 69-65.
Gonzaga enters the game as a 4.5-point favorite, as noted by the betting odds, which reflect confidence in their abilities after winning four of their last five encounters against UCLA.
This matchup presents an exciting opportunity for both teams: UCLA aims to redeem themselves following their recent setback, while Gonzaga aims to continue their strong form. Basketball fans can look forward to an intense and competitive game that promises to be an exciting end to the year.
In summary, this game not only has implications for the records of these storied programs but also carries the excitement of fierce competition and the potential for redemption for UCLA. With both sides showcasing remarkable talent, basketball enthusiasts are in for a treat.