Gonzaga vs. UCLA Basketball: A Top-25 Clash of Titans at the Intuit Dome

Posted By MGrass

UCLA vs Gonzaga: Bruins Edge Bulldogs in First College Game at Intuit Dome

UCLA Secures Gritty Win Over Gonzaga in Landmark Game

In a thrilling showdown at Intuit Dome, No. 22 UCLA pulled off a hard-fought 65-62 victory over No. 14 Gonzaga, marking the first college basketball game played in the Los Angeles Clippers’ new 18,000-seat arena.

Eric Dailey Jr. led the way for the Bruins with 18 points, knocking down four three-pointers, while Skyy Clark sealed the win at the free-throw line. Gonzaga’s Graham Ike dominated inside with 24 points and eight rebounds, but the Bulldogs couldn’t overcome their slow first half and cold shooting from three-point range.

This matchup delivered drama, intensity, and high stakes, setting the tone for both teams as they push deeper into their seasons.

UCLA’s Clutch Plays Seal the Win

The game remained tight until the final moments. With Gonzaga’s Ryan Nembhard tying the score at 60-60, UCLA responded with a five-point surge. Nembhard kept the Bulldogs alive by scoring a quick basket and drawing a foul, but he missed a crucial free throw that would have tied the game with eight seconds left.

Following the miss, Skyy Clark stepped up, sinking two free throws after being fouled by Graham Ike. With five seconds remaining, Gonzaga had one last chance, but Nembhard’s halfcourt heave missed at the buzzer, securing the win for the Bruins.

🔗 Related: College Basketball News

Graham Ike’s Big Game Not Enough for Gonzaga

Despite the loss, Graham Ike was a dominant force for Gonzaga, finishing with:
✔ 24 points
✔ 8 rebounds
✔ 11-of-16 shooting

However, cold three-point shooting (2-of-11 in the first half) left the Bulldogs trailing early, and they struggled to fully recover. Meanwhile, Ryan Nembhard added 16 points and 8 assists, but his missed free throw in the closing seconds proved costly.

🔗 Related: Gonzaga Basketball Updates

Key Moments That Shaped the Game

🔥 Khalif Battle’s Ejection Changed the Momentum

With 4:12 left in the first half, Gonzaga guard Khalif Battle was ejected for a flagrant-2 foul on Eric Dailey Jr.. The play sparked an intense reaction from UCLA coach Mick Cronin, who tore off his jacket in frustration before officials reviewed the call.

Without Battle, Gonzaga lost a key offensive weapon, and UCLA capitalized on the momentum shift to extend their lead to 11 points by halftime.

🔥 Heated Second Half with Technical Fouls

Early in the second half, emotions boiled over again as Dailey and Nembhard were hit with double technicals. The game’s physicality and intensity highlighted the rivalry-like atmosphere between these powerhouse programs.

🔥 Three-Point Shooting Woes for Gonzaga

The Bulldogs struggled from deep, going:

2-of-11 from three in the first half
5-of-11 in the second half

Although they improved after halftime, their early struggles from beyond the arc proved too much to overcome.

🔗 Related: UCLA Basketball Updates

UCLA’s Balanced Attack Secures Victory

While Eric Dailey Jr. led the scoring, other Bruins stepped up in crucial moments:

✔ Skyy Clark – Ice-cold at the free-throw line, hitting two clutch shots in the final seconds.
✔ Tyler Bilodeau – Struggled offensively but made key defensive stops against Graham Ike.
✔ Defense as a Whole – UCLA held Gonzaga to just 62 points, well below their season average.

With this win, UCLA improves to 11-2 and proves they can compete with top-ranked opponents on a neutral court.

What’s Next for Both Teams?

UCLA Bruins (11-2) → @ Nebraska (Jan. 4, 2025)

Next up, UCLA will travel to Nebraska for their first Big Ten conference matchup, looking to carry this momentum into league play.

Gonzaga Bulldogs (9-4) → @ Pepperdine (Dec. 30, 2024)

Meanwhile, Gonzaga remains in California as they prepare to take on Pepperdine in their next matchup. The Bulldogs will look to regain their rhythm after a tough loss.

🔗 Related: College Basketball Rankings

Final Thoughts: A Game to Remember at Intuit Dome

The first college basketball game at Intuit Dome delivered in every way possible—clutch moments, defensive battles, and high-energy intensity.