NCAA Basketball: 25 best team rivalries heading into 2019-20 season

21. Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. Washington Huskies

There’s no question that these are the best two college basketball programs in the state. From a rivalry standpoint, there’s heat on both sides.

Historically, these teams haven’t been playing each regularly for a long time, and they are located on opposite ends of the state. When you consider the most recent history, it’s no wonder Gonzaga fans barely consider this a rivalry at this point.

The Gonzaga lead is just 13-8 in this rivalry, but the Huskies won seven of the first eight over two decades ago, all of them at home. Gonzaga’s Mark Few is 11-1 against the Huskies as head coach, with all but one of those games coming as a ranked team. All but three of those games have been double-digit Gonzaga wins.

The sole Washington victory back in 2005 was a notable one. Adam Morrison exploded for 42 points, but the Huskies played tough basketball in a high-intensity atmosphere, winning 99-95. A similarly exciting atmosphere occurred in last year’s game, where No. 1 Gonzaga erased a 10-point halftime deficit, beating Washington a game-winning jumper by Rui Hachimura.

Despite Gonzaga winning 12 of 13, this rivalry has remained heated and has become as competitive as it’s been since its inception. Mike Hopkins might be transforming these Huskies into the top program in the Pac-12.

Last year, they were so close to knocking off these Bulldogs and they’ll get plenty of chances in the coming seasons. The atmospheres on both sides of the state will be electric when these teams meet, but can Washington finally start evening out this series?