UCLA Aims to Upset No. 8 Gonzaga

Here is everything you need to know before tip-off

Dec 3, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Tyler Bilodeau (34) shoots the ball against the Washington Huskies during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images | Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

The Bruins are hoping to get their first ranked win in 377 days against a very good No. 8 Gonzaga team.

For the first time since the Arizona game, UCLA is coming into this game as an underdog. ESPN currently gives the Bruins a very slim 18.5% chance of winning in this one. The Bruins are also down in the all-time series (3-7). However, the Bruins were able to win the last matchup 65-62 in 2024.

Numbers You Need to Know

Dec 6, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin talks with guard Eric Dailey Jr. (3) during the first half against the Oregon Ducks at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The Bruins currently average 77.2 points, 34.2 rebounds, 16.1 assists, and 6.8 steals, while shooting 48.1% from the field and 37.4% from three. UCLA also gives up 10.9 turnovers per game. A number that needs to decrease, especially against Gonzaga.

On the other hand, Gonzaga has looked unstoppable. Averaging 92.9 points, 44.8 rebounds, 20.4 assists, and 9.2 steals. The team is shooting an excellent 52.2% from the field and 35.6% from the field. The Bulldogs also give up 10.5 turnovers per game.

Dec 6, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Tyler Bilodeau (34) boxes out Oregon Ducks center Nate Bittle (32) during the second half at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The biggest disparities between the teams is scoring and rebounding. Two things that go hand in hand, when facing off against tougher opponents. UCLA also has around three less steals per game compared to Gonzaga, another small stat that could very easily sway the match later in the game.

Key Players

Dec 7, 2025; Spokane, Washington, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Graham Ike points to a fan before a game against the North Florida Ospreys at McCarthey Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images | James Snook-Imagn Images

Braden Huff and Graham Ike have led the charge for the Bulldogs this season. Ike is averaging 16.4 points per game and 8.1 rebounds, while shooting 50.9% from the field. Huff has been just as good if not better in some cases, averaging 17.0 points 5.1 rebounds while scoring at a staggering 65.6%.

The Bruins, on the other hand, have playmakers themselves. Tyler Bilodeau is averaging 15.6 points and 4.7 rebounds on 52.1% shooting. Skyy Clark has also stepped up for the Bruins this season, averaging 12.7 points and 2.7 rebounds while shooting 51.4% from three.

Mar 20, 2025; Lexington, KY, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Skyy Clark (55) during the second half against the Utah State Aggies in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images | Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

These players will influence the game heavily. The Bruins are 0-2 when Skyy Clark scores less than 10 points. The same goes for Gonzaga when Graham Ike scores less than 10. If UCLA can limit Ike, there is a good chance the Bruins walk out with a win.

Many factors will influence this game, but the Bruins must rise above them and deliver their best performance of the season. After a tight battle with Arizona, they now have an opportunity to prove they can compete at the highest level.

Dec 6, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin reacts during the first half against the Oregon Ducks at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Ensure you follow on X (Twitter) @UCLAInsideronSI to keep up with every story surrounding UCLA athletics! Please let us know your thoughts on this when you like our Facebook page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.

Never again miss one major story related to your beloved Bruins when you sign up for our 100% FREE newsletter that comes straight to your email with the latest news. SIGN UP HERE NOW