What's Happening?
Gonzaga Bulldogs and UCLA Bruins are set to renew their neutral site basketball series for another two years, as reported by college basketball insider Jon Rothstein. The announcement came shortly before
the teams faced off at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. The series began last season with Gonzaga losing to UCLA at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, CA. Historically, Gonzaga leads the all-time series against UCLA 7-3, including notable victories in the NCAA Tournament. The rivalry has intensified since Mick Cronin took over as UCLA's coach in 2019, with both teams consistently ranking among the top programs on the West Coast.
Why It's Important?
The renewal of the series between Gonzaga and UCLA highlights the ongoing competitive rivalry between two of the most successful college basketball programs on the West Coast. These match-ups provide significant exposure and experience for both teams, potentially impacting their rankings and seeding in future NCAA tournaments. The games also offer fans exciting basketball action and contribute to the teams' non-conference schedules, which are crucial for building a strong resume for March Madness. The series is a testament to Gonzaga's strategy of facing high-caliber opponents to prepare for postseason play.
What's Next?
While the exact dates and locations for the renewed series have yet to be announced, both teams are expected to continue playing at neutral sites. This arrangement allows for broader fan engagement and maintains the competitive nature of the rivalry. Gonzaga will continue its tradition of scheduling challenging non-conference games, including ongoing series with other top programs like Kentucky. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how these games influence the teams' performance and standings in the upcoming seasons.
