Gonzaga vs. Kentucky: Power Programs Clash Again in Nashville
When No. 11 Gonzaga and No.
18 Kentucky tip off Friday afternoon in Nashville, it won’t just be another early December matchup-it’ll be two college basketball heavyweights renewing a series that’s delivered drama, star power, and plenty of points. The all-time series is tied at 2-2, and if recent history is any indication, fans can expect fireworks once again.
A Rivalry in the Making
This is the fourth installment in a six-game series that began in 2022, and so far, it’s lived up to the billing. Last season’s meeting was an instant classic.
Kentucky erased an 18-point second-half deficit to steal a 90-89 overtime win in Seattle. Gonzaga’s Graham Ike was a force, pouring in 28 points and grabbing 11 boards, but it wasn’t quite enough to hold off a furious Wildcat rally.
The year before, the Zags walked into Rupp Arena and came out with an 89-85 win behind 23 from Ike and a balanced effort from Braden Huff and Ryan Nembhard. And in 2022, Gonzaga handled then-No. 4 Kentucky in Spokane, 88-72, in a game that showcased the Zags’ depth and versatility-five players scored in double figures, and Anton Watson put the clamps on Oscar Tshiebwe.
Now, the series shifts to Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, where both teams are looking to bounce back from recent losses.
Gonzaga: Elite Metrics, Veteran Core
Gonzaga comes in at 7-1, fresh off a tough loss to No. 3 Michigan in the Players Era Championship game. Even in defeat, the Zags showed flashes of their offensive firepower, with Tyon Grant-Foster and Braden Huff each scoring 14.
Statistically, Gonzaga is right where you’d expect them to be-among the nation’s best. They lead the West Coast Conference in nearly every major category and rank top-25 nationally in scoring (90.8 PPG), scoring margin (+23.8), rebounds (44.6 RPG), assists (19.3 APG), and turnover margin (+5.5). Simply put, this is a team that plays fast, shares the ball, and controls the glass.
Graham Ike continues to be the centerpiece. The senior big man recently crossed the 2,000-point career threshold in a win over Creighton, and he’s now second among all active Division I scorers with 2,079 points.
He’s also second in active career rebounds with 958-making him the only player in the country with over 1,500 points and 900 boards. He’s on every major national player of the year watch list for a reason.
This Gonzaga roster may have lost some scoring from last season-just 36% of their points and 34% of their rebounds returned-but they make up for it with experience and maturity. Eight players have appeared in at least 70 career games, and seven average over 20 minutes per night. According to KenPom, the Zags are the fourth most experienced team in the country, with an average age of 21.2-older than some NBA rosters.
Kentucky: Talented, But Still Finding Its Identity
Kentucky enters the matchup at 5-3 after a narrow 67-64 loss to No. 16 North Carolina.
It was a gritty, back-and-forth battle with 14 lead changes and nine ties, but the Wildcats couldn’t overcome a tough second half shooting stretch and a dominant UNC effort on the offensive glass. The Tar Heels turned 20 offensive rebounds into 22 second-chance points-a margin that proved decisive.
Still, there’s plenty to like about this Kentucky team. Five players average double figures, led by Denzel Aberdeen at 13.5 points per game.
He’s also dishing out 3.5 assists per contest. Otega Oweh, the SEC Preseason Player of the Year, is right behind him at 13.4 points per game on 47% shooting.
Big man Malachi Moreno is quietly anchoring the paint, averaging 7.8 rebounds and 1.38 blocks per game. He was a bright spot against UNC, pulling down nine boards and swatting three shots.
The Wildcats were picked to finish second in the SEC preseason poll, and while their record doesn’t jump off the page yet, the talent is undeniable. The question is whether they can put it all together against a disciplined, battle-tested Gonzaga squad.
What’s at Stake
For Gonzaga, this is another chance to prove they’re still one of the sport’s elite programs, even as the roster continues to evolve. A win over Kentucky would add to an already impressive non-conference résumé that includes victories over teams from the SEC, Big East, Big 12, and Big Ten.
For Kentucky, it’s a chance to get back on track and notch a signature win. The Wildcats have shown flashes of brilliance, but consistency has been elusive. Beating a top-15 team like Gonzaga could be the spark they need heading into the heart of the season.
Looking Ahead
After Friday’s showdown, Gonzaga returns home for the first time in nearly three weeks to host North Florida on Sunday. The Ospreys are 2-5 to start the season and are rebuilding after losing five double-digit scorers from last year. Kamrin Oriol leads the way with 17.7 points and 4.4 assists per game, but this is a matchup the Zags should control if they play to their potential.
As for Kentucky, the road doesn’t get any easier. The Wildcats will need to regroup quickly as they continue navigating a tough non-conference slate before SEC play begins.
Final Thought
Gonzaga vs. Kentucky isn’t just a clash of ranked teams-it’s a battle between two programs that expect to be in the mix come March. With stars like Graham Ike and Otega Oweh on the floor and two of the game’s most respected coaches on the sidelines, this one has all the makings of another classic.
Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. Pacific on ESPN2. Buckle up.