HOUSTON - UCLA lost just once at home this season and it was Gonzaga that dished out that defeat.
To say that 87-74 loss in December is serving as extra motivation for the Bruins (21-13) as they prepare for a rematch against the second-seeded Bulldogs (34-2) in the NCAA Sweet 16 today might be an understatement.
"We take pride in defending our home court and they're the only team that came in there and beat us this year," UCLA freshman Kevon Looney said. "We've got a chip on our shoulder about that."
Gonzaga coach Mark Few knows the Bruins will be looking for revenge for that loss and that they're dangerous despite being an 11 seed.
"They're playing with a high level of confidence right now," Few said. "They're on a roll."
Gonzaga's Byron Wesley said Few keeps reminding them that the UCLA team they'll see today is not the same team they beat in December.
"They're a much better unit (now)," Wesley said. "Coach has really told us not to get too caught up in last game that we had with them because they've made it to this point in the season for a reason."
Gonzaga is in the round of 16 for the sixth time and is looking for its second trip to the Elite Eight in this weekend's South Regional in Houston. UCLA is in the regional semifinal for the second consecutive year and the fifth time in 10 seasons.
Gonzaga's streak of 17 straight NCAA Tournament appearances is the fourth-longest active streak and the Bulldogs are 21-17 in 18 trips to the tournament overall. UCLA has a storied history in the tournament, having won 11 national championships, with the last coming in 1995.