The Gonzaga Bulldogs secured a hard-fought victory against the UCLA Bruins, winning 82-72 on December 2, 2023. This match marked Gonzaga’s first win at Climate Pledge Arena, leveling the all-time series against UCLA after a narrow defeat last season. With this win, Gonzaga improved its record to 10-1 for the season, showcasing their resilience against a formidable opponent.
Both teams exchanged leads throughout the first half, with Gonzaga heading into halftime with a narrow 45-40 advantage. The second half saw UCLA rally strong, keeping the score tight as the clock wound down. Ultimately, it was Gonzaga’s standout performance from big man Graham Ike that propelled them to victory. Ike, returning from injury, scored the first five points for Gonzaga and finished the game with 25 points and five assists.
Key Performers Shape the Game
In addition to Ike, Braden Huff made significant contributions, scoring 21 points and shooting an impressive 7 of 12 from the field. Their combined effort in the first half was pivotal, as they accounted for 29 of Gonzaga’s 45 points. Despite UCLA’s defensive strategies, which included double and triple teams, Gonzaga’s frontcourt duo proved difficult to contain.
Freshman point guard Mario Saint-Supery also stepped up in this critical matchup. He was the only other Gonzaga player to reach double figures, finishing with 12 points and four rebounds while maintaining control with only one turnover. His ability to navigate the court and facilitate plays was essential, especially against UCLA’s preseason All-American, Donovan Dent.
Depth and Strategy Prove Essential
Gonzaga’s depth was a crucial factor in their success against UCLA. Coach Mark Few strategically rotated players to maintain energy levels, particularly when Ike showed signs of fatigue in the second half. Substituting Emmanuel Innocenti for Huff during defensive plays allowed the team to remain defensively strong while also keeping Huff fresh for critical offensive moments.
The contributions from bench players, including Innocenti, Jalen Warley, and Adam Miller, highlighted Gonzaga’s deep roster and ability to adapt under pressure. This flexibility is something that few teams can boast, making Gonzaga a formidable opponent moving forward.
As Gonzaga looks ahead, their next challenge will be against the Campbell Camels on December 6, 2023. The Bulldogs are aiming to build on this momentum as they continue their season.