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Expert prediction

NCAA Second Round: Texas vs Gonzaga Preview, Odds, Predictions (March 21)

  • Richard Pereira
  • Mar 21, 2026 at 2:02 PM EDT

Pick rationale

Analysis & key factors

  • The Longhorns took down BYU in the Round of 64.
  • The Bulldogs got past Kennesaw State in the first round.
  • This marks the sixth all-time matchup between these two squads.

Another contest in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament will take place on March 21 with the SEC’s Texas Longhorns facing the WCC’s Gonzaga Bulldogs. The latter comes out as the slight favorite, presenting a tough matchup between two talented squads fighting for a place in the Sweet 16.

How to Watch

  • When: Saturday, March 21, 7:10 pm ET
  • Where: Moda Center, Portland, Oregon
  • How to Watch: truTV & TBS

NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines

TeamOddsSpreadTotals
Texas-112+6.5O146.5
Gonzaga-108-6.5U146.5

Game Preview

The Longhorns (20-14) continue their strong run in March Madness, taking down NC State in the First Four and getting past BYU in the Round of 64. Matas Vokietaitis recorded a team-high 23 points and a game-high 16 rebounds, having the best game of his collegiate career to date. He became the first player in Texas program history to post a 20-point, 15-rebound effort in a NCAA Tournament contest. Meanwhile, Tramon Mark registered 19 points (6-13 FG, 3-6 threes, 4-4 FT), four rebounds, two assists, two steals and a career-high four blocks.

The Bulldogs (31-3) fended off a strong effort from Kennesaw State to advance from the first round to the Round of 32. Graham Ike led the attack with 19 points while Davis Fogle assisted him with 17 points to lead Gonzaga to victory. Meanwhile, Jalen Warley provided a double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds, asserting himself inside the paint.

Texas vs Gonzaga Head-to-Head

The two programs have had five meetings in their history, and the result is 4-1 for the Bulldogs. The last matchup was in November 2022 when Texas won 93-74 at home.

Texas vs Gonzaga Predictions

The winner of this matchup will take on the victors between Miami and Purdue in the Sweet 16. Texas has exceeded expectations with its latest wins, playing with a lot of momentum that will put pressure on Gonzaga. The Bulldogs do have fresh legs after their win over Kennesaw State, having fatigue play a big factor in this showdown. Our betting pick here is the Bulldogs to cover a 6.5-point spread.

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