Gonzaga head coach Mark Few quickly shifted his focus to preparing for the highly anticipated game against the 22nd-ranked UCLA Bruins, set to take place days after Christmas. Fortunately for Few, he could begin strategizing after his team secured a victory, while UCLA’s coach Mick Cronin faced a different reality as his Bruins were looking to bounce back from a recent defeat. The matchup between Gonzaga and UCLA represents the only ranked clash on the AP Top 25 docket for that week.
Following Gonzaga’s recent win against Bucknell, Few expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming contest. “It’s a good series for us,” he said. “It’s certainly what TV wants to see, and fans want to see. This year, it’s another one of those high-level games that will contribute to seeding for the NCAA Tournament. It’s beneficial in every way.” The two programs struck a deal in July to engage in a two-year series, with their first encounter scheduled to be held at the newly constructed Intuit Dome, home to the Los Angeles Clippers. The second meeting will take place next year at Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena.
Currently, Gonzaga sports a record of 9-3, riding a two-game winning streak following defeats to Kentucky and UConn. Few plans for his players to convene for a Christmas Day workout as part of the preparations for their impending clash with the Bruins. UCLA, sitting at 10-2, is looking to recover after a disappointing loss to North Carolina in Madison Square Garden, where they squandered a substantial 16-point lead.
In the aftermath of that game, Cronin displayed his frustration during the press conference, particularly regarding the eight missed free throws in the second half and a crucial turnover during a competitive finish. “There are no silver linings in losses, none,” he emphasized. “You must make free throws. Our point guard needs to handle the ball effectively in the game’s closing moments. That’s what real teams do. I’m still working to mold this group into what we were a couple of years ago.”
As teams gear up for the holiday week, the schedule is relatively light, with 12 out of the 25 ranked teams enjoying a break. This period of rest offers a valuable opportunity for players to recuperate from any lingering injuries before the onset of intense conference play in the following week.
In terms of rankings, there seems to be a consensus among various ranking systems regarding the top tier, with Tennessee, Auburn, and Duke occupying prime positions. Fluctuations within the rankings begin thereafter. As of Monday afternoon, the Volunteers, Tigers, and Blue Devils were the only trio to feature in the top five across all rankings. Additionally, Iowa State emerged as a noteworthy contender, appearing in various high spots. Meanwhile, Gonzaga and Houston are ranked higher in other systems compared to their AP Top 25 standings.
Maryland currently leads the group of unranked teams in terms of votes received from the AP poll but holds a seventh position in the NET rankings, alongside notable spots in other systems. Other unranked programs that are faring well in different ranking methodologies include St. John’s, Texas Tech, and Pittsburgh.
Among the unranked teams, a significant matchup is on the horizon: Memphis will host No. 16 Mississippi. This game could be pivotal for the Tigers, who currently stand at 9-3 and are eager to regain a spot in the AP Top 25 following their recent rollercoaster of results. After a promising start earlier in December, Memphis fell out of the rankings, looking to solidify their place once again with a solid performance against the Rebels.
Overall, as teams prepare for the holiday break and look to build momentum ahead of the conference games, the college basketball landscape remains dynamic, setting the stage for exciting action in the weeks to come.
