Mark Few and the Gonzaga Bulldogs are set to face off against Dana Altman and the Oregon Ducks on Sunday at the Moda Center in Portland, marking their first non-conference matchup of the season. This exciting showdown is particularly noteworthy as it is Gonzaga’s first contest against Oregon in the continental United States since 1983.
The Bulldogs are returning to the Moda Center for the first time since their defeat to Purdue in the semifinals of the 2022 Phil Knight Legacy tournament. The venue is expected to play a significant role in future NCAA action, hosting first and second round games for the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Currently, many bracketology projections have Gonzaga lined up as a No. 2 seed in the Portland region.
Historically, Gonzaga has performed well at the Moda Center, boasting a 5-2 record. They will be aiming to secure their sixth win at this venue amidst what could be a more intense atmosphere than usual.
On the other hand, the Oregon Ducks are still searching for consistency this season, currently holding a 6-5 record after a challenging stretch where they lost five consecutive games in late November. This slump included three losses at the Players Era Festival against Auburn, San Diego State, and Creighton, followed by two defeats in their opening Big Ten games against USC and UCLA.
Despite their struggles, Oregon fields a dynamic, athletic team led by junior point guard Jackson Shelstad and senior center Nate Bittle. Gonzaga had previously recruited Bittle before he opted for Oregon. The Ducks excel in offensive rebounding and present a physically formidable front, featuring both Bittle—a true seven-footer with impressive shot-blocking skills—and rugged power forward KJ Evans, alongside experienced talent like former McDonald’s All-American Sean Stewart.
To secure the win, Gonzaga will need to leverage their physicality in the paint while preventing Oregon from capitalizing on second-chance opportunities. Additionally, maintaining their recent shooting form will be crucial. Since their challenging game against Michigan, the Bulldogs have found their rhythm from beyond the arc, connecting on 47.6% of their three-point attempts over the last four games. If wing players Steele Venters, Adam Miller, and Emmanuel Innocenti hit their shots, Gonzaga’s depth could prove key in overcoming the Ducks in this match-up.
Fans eager to catch Gonzaga’s last non-conference game before diving into West Coast Conference play, which begins on December 28 against Pepperdine, can tune in as follows:
Date: Sunday, Dec. 21
Game Time: 3:00 p.m. PT
Venue: Moda Center (Portland, OR)
How to Watch: Peacock
How to Listen: 96.1 FM (local) and Varsity Sports App
With both teams looking to maintain momentum, this game promises to be an exciting encounter for basketball fans.