This time, however, it was the Bruins who prevailed down the stretch, stunning the Bulldogs in a 65-62 final from Inglewood, California.

Gonzaga had won the last four meetings with UCLA, including three that were decided by four points or fewer. However, despite what history suggests, the reality is that the 2024-25 Zags have yet to emerge from a close game this season. They are 0-3 in games decided by six points or fewer, and that doesn’t include the 8-point overtime loss to West Virginia that the Bulldogs suffered in the final 25 seconds of regulation in the Battle 4 Atlantis lost five points.

Here are three takeaways from Gonzaga’s recent loss.

UCLA STYMIES MOST INJURY EARLY

As expected, it wasn’t easy for both teams offensively on Saturday. Both came into the game ranked among the top 20 teams in the country in adjusted defensive efficiency. UCLA’s identity under Mick Cronin is largely based on toughness; Gonzaga has proven in its difficult non-conference schedule that it can compete with some of the sport’s more physical teams.

The Zags and Bruins were a combined 5 of 20 from the field during the 12-minute media timeout as both struggled through a rough first half. Then 3-point shots began to fall for UCLA and Gonzaga’s pick-and-rolls became less effective compared to the length and size of its opponent. The Bruins used those three-pointers and some timely turnovers to post a 17-2 record and take an 11-point lead.

Oddly enough, the tide began to turn in Mark Few and Co.’s favor after their high-flying guard Khalif Battle was sent off for committing a flagrant 2-foul while trying to block a layup attempt from Eric Dailey Jr. A top scorer per game and someone adept at applying pressure on fouls, the Zags found a groove on offense – if only temporarily – and went on a 9-0 winning run that gave them a 2-point tie for the game at halftime.

While the lackluster finish is notable, it’s also worth noting that the Bulldogs went 2-for-11 from 3-point range and tried close one Free throw in the first half. Because as dominant as Ike was in depth, there was hardly anything else that could be pushed out of the gate offensively. That’s not ideal for a team that has been used to quick starts over the years.

GRAHAM IKE SHINE AGAIN

Saturday’s result could have been very different had the Bruins not made a season-best 12 3-pointers, as Graham Ike imposed his will on both ends of the court for the Zags.

The key individual duel before the game was between 6-foot-2 post players Tyler Bilodeau and Ike, who both lead their respective teams in scoring with their own styles of play. The UCLA big man is more than capable of spreading the court and getting the ball up the court when possible, although the Bulldogs did their best to keep the Washingtonian at bay throughout the 40-minute affair , as Bilodeau finished with just seven points at 2-4. for-10 from the field.

Much of Bilodeau’s problems had to do with Ike, who compounded UCLA’s woes with 24 points on 11 of 16 from the field in 31 minutes of play.

“Just being patient out there and taking what the defense gave me,” Ike said of his big night. “It really is. Kudos to my point guard and the rest of the team for looking for me and just playing.”

Ryan Nembhard helped get Gonzaga’s offense going in the second half. The senior guard finished the night with 16 points – 14 of them after halftime – and eight assists while going 7 of 12 from the field.

“Against this defense, it’s remarkable,” Few said of Nembhard’s stats after the game. “That defense was throwing people around like crazy… I think they had 11 turnovers in the first half, then four in the second half. Eight assists, two turnovers in this game and 40 minutes of play were spectacular for Ryan.”

ONTO WEST COAST CONFERENCE PLAY

The search for another West Coast Conference regular-season title can officially begin Monday when the Bulldogs travel about 20 miles west to Malibu, Calif., to face Pepperdine at Firestone Fieldhouse.

The Waves (6-8, 0-1 WCC) lost their first league game 91-80 at Santa Clara on Saturday night. Stefan Todorovic led the team with 25 points. With 19.3 points per game, the 1.90 meter tall San Francisco player is among the top 30 in the country.

Gonzaga has won 28 straight WCC regular season openers and the last 47 meetings with Pepperdine. The latter ranks as the third-longest streak against an opponent in Division I history and is currently the longest active streak.

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