Gonzaga to Face Michigan State in December Matchup

The nonconference game will honor coaches Mark Few and Tom Izzo and coincide with a women's matchup.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 2:19am

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting the dynamic action of a basketball game, with sharp planes of navy, green, and orange hues capturing the energy and intensity of the Gonzaga-Michigan State matchup.A cubist interpretation of the highly anticipated matchup between college basketball powerhouses Gonzaga and Michigan State.San Diego Today

Gonzaga and Michigan State will face off in a nonconference men's basketball game on December 19 at Acrisure Arena in Palm Springs, California. The matchup will honor Gonzaga's Mark Few and Michigan State's Tom Izzo, both Naismith Hall of Fame inductees, and will also feature a women's game between the two schools.

Why it matters

This game continues Gonzaga's tradition of playing tough nonconference opponents to prepare for conference play and the NCAA Tournament. The Bulldogs and Spartans have a history of competitive matchups, and this neutral-site clash in Palm Springs will showcase two of college basketball's premier programs.

The details

The December 19 game will be Gonzaga's final nonconference contest before opening Pac-12 play. The Zags are also scheduled to face Purdue in Las Vegas to open the 2026-27 season and could take on additional Big Ten opponents during their nonleague slate. Gonzaga and Michigan State last met in 2022, with the Bulldogs winning 64-63 on the flight deck of the USS Abraham Lincoln in San Diego.

  • The game will take place on December 19, 2026.
  • Gonzaga and Michigan State previously met in 2022.

The players

Mark Few

The head coach of the Gonzaga Bulldogs, who has led the program to consistent national prominence and been inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

Tom Izzo

The head coach of the Michigan State Spartans, a Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer who has guided Michigan State to numerous NCAA Tournament appearances and a national championship.

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What they’re saying

“This game will honor Izzo and Few - both of whom have been inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame. It will also coincide with a women's game between the Zags and Spartans.”

— Jon Rothstein, CBS Sports Reporter

What’s next

The matchup will be an early-season test for both Gonzaga and Michigan State as they prepare for their respective conference schedules and the NCAA Tournament.

The takeaway

This high-profile nonconference clash between two of college basketball's blue-blood programs continues Gonzaga's commitment to challenging itself with tough opponents outside of conference play. The game will also provide an opportunity to celebrate the Hall of Fame careers of coaches Mark Few and Tom Izzo.