Oregon vs. Gonzaga: Anticipated Matchup Finally Set to Happen

Oregon and Gonzaga will play in a neutral-site series, starting with a game in Portland on December 21, 2025, at 3 p.m. at the Moda Center. This matchup, promoted as the Northwest Elite Showdown, was arranged by coaches Dana Altman and Mark Few to honor mega-booster Pat Kilkenny.

The two coaches, both among the most successful in NCAA Division I men's basketball, met at the Final Four and decided to schedule this long-awaited game. Oregon, with a current record of 6-5, will face No. 7 Gonzaga, who holds an 11-1 record.

This will be the first scheduled nonconference game between the two programs in more than 40 years, although they have met twice in early season tournaments in 1999 and 2019, splitting those matchups. Altman and Few expressed mutual respect for each other's achievements, with Few having 753 career wins and Altman 786.

Few, a Creswell native and Oregon graduate, has a deep connection to the Ducks, having grown up watching their games. Gonzaga's only loss this season came against Michigan, currently ranked as the No. 1 team in the nation.

Altman praised Gonzaga's depth and talent, stating that Oregon must play at their best to compete. Oregon recently ended a five-game losing streak with two dominant victories, making 54.4 percent of their shots.

Fans can tune in to the game on Peacock or through various radio stations including KUGN and KUJZ. According to The Register-Guard, the significance of this matchup lies in its potential impact on both teams' seasons and their prospects for March Madness.