UCLA Basketball: Pundit Hopes to See Rematch vs Gonzaga in Maui Invitational

Ahead of the upcoming 2023-24 season, UCLA was mentioned more than once as a headliner in some of the biggest matchups that this writer wants to see.

In an article from CBS Sports, a pundit at the organization desperately wants to see the Bruins and the Gonzaga Bulldogs face off on the hardwood once again.

We've been blessed as a nation enough over the years to see these two west coast powers go head to head frequently in the NCAA Tournament and in standalone non-conference popups. And they almost always deliver the goods. The people want -- no, the people

demand --

that a recurring series between the two programs be on the books annually from here until the end of time. It's only right.

via Kyle Boone, CBS Sports

UCLA have faced off against Mark Few's team more than a few times in the past couple of seasons, but the rivalry goes all the way back to 2006.

Paired in the NCAA tournament that season, UCLA's men's team came back from down double digits in the final minutes to stun Adam Morrison and the rest of the Bulldogs, made only more painful by a Gus Johnson call to sum up the event.

Heart. Break. City.

Despite the earlier chapter in their history, the Bulldogs have been on the upper hand especially in the Big Dance.

After an improbable run to the 2021 Final Four from the First Four bracket, UCLA was just seconds away from double overtime against Gonzaga when Jalen Suggs sent the Bulldogs to the national championship with an improbable bank shot 3 at the buzzer.

Last season, Gonzaga's Julian Strawther etched his own name into the rivalry as he too hit a clutch three just seconds after UCLA's Amari Bailey gave the Bruins the lead in their recent March Madness clash.

UCLA surely has revenge on their mind for recent history and we agree with CBS Sports to add another chapter to the rivalry this season. Make it happen!