In a thrilling encounter at the West Coast Hoops Showdown in Inglewood, California, No. 22 UCLA secured a narrow 65-62 victory over No. 14 Gonzaga. The game reached its climax when freshman guard Sebastian Mack redeemed himself after missing two crucial free throws by converting a pivotal three-point play with just 33 seconds remaining, propelling the Bruins ahead.
UCLA's offense was spearheaded by Eric Dailey Jr., who tallied 18 points, showcasing remarkable accuracy by hitting 4 of 5 attempts from beyond the arc. Kobe Johnson contributed significantly with 12 points, all from three-pointers, and dominated the boards with eight rebounds. Skyy Clark also made a substantial impact, recording 11 points, a game-high nine rebounds, and seven assists, demonstrating his versatility on the court.
Gonzaga's efforts were led by Graham Ike, who scored a game-high 24 points on an efficient 11-of-16 shooting, along with eight rebounds. Ryan Nembhard added 16 points and orchestrated the offense with eight assists. Despite their contributions, the Bulldogs fell short in the final moments, with Nembhard missing a critical free throw that could have tied the game in the closing seconds.
The game was marked by intense competition, featuring multiple lead changes and ties. A significant moment occurred early in the first half when Gonzaga's guard Khalif Battle was ejected following a flagrant foul, impacting the Bulldogs' rotation and momentum. Despite this setback, Gonzaga managed to erase an 11-point deficit, setting up a tense finish that ultimately favored the Bruins.
This victory was particularly sweet for UCLA, as it ended a losing streak against Gonzaga that dated back to 2015. The matchup added another chapter to the storied rivalry between the two programs, delivering a game that lived up to its billing and leaving fans eagerly anticipating their next encounter.
