Texas Longhorns vs Gonzaga Bulldogs Picks and Predictions for Saturday March 21 2026
Use Code PPWC
The Texas Longhorns and Gonzaga Bulldogs meet in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship West Region Second Round at Moda Center in Portland, Oregon, with tip-off set for 7:10 PM ET on truTV and TBS. Texas enters as the No. 11 seed after an impressive First Round victory, while Gonzaga, the No. 3 seed, looks to continue its dominant season in this high-profile matchup. Gonzaga is a 6.5-point favorite with a total set at 147.5, and the Bulldogs are listed at -245 on the moneyline while Texas comes back at +200. Be sure to check out our free college basketball picks for more expert insights and daily betting action.
Longhorns Riding Momentum into Portland
Texas comes into this matchup with a 20-14 overall record and a 9-10 mark in SEC play, showing resilience after a challenging regular season. The Longhorns advanced to the Second Round with a strong 79-71 win over BYU, controlling much of the game with efficient offense and rebounding. Over their last five games, Texas has recently won over BYU and NC State, while recently losing to Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. That recent stretch reflects a team that has found some late-season momentum despite earlier inconsistency.
On the season, Texas has been a high-scoring team, averaging 83.2 points per game while allowing 76.3 points per contest. They shoot an efficient 48% from the field and average 37.9 rebounds and 12.3 assists per game. Defensively, they contribute 5.8 steals and 3.1 blocks per game, though their points allowed suggests they can struggle against disciplined offenses. Their offensive efficiency and rebounding ability give them a chance to compete with top-tier teams when they are clicking.
In their First Round win, Matas Vokietaitis led the way with 23 points and dominated the glass with 16 rebounds, making him both the leading scorer and rebounder in that game. His presence inside was a major factor as Texas out-rebounded BYU 40-31 and shot 47% from the field. The Longhorns also connected on 36% of their three-point attempts, which helped create separation. A key tournament-specific angle here is Texas’ rebounding edge and interior dominance, but their 50% free throw shooting in that game could become a concern in a tighter contest against a more disciplined Gonzaga team.
Sign Up Get $30 Premium Picks Credit + Exclusive Offers
Subscribe Now
Bulldogs Bring Efficiency and Balance
Gonzaga enters this contest with an outstanding 31-3 overall record and an 18-2 mark in WCC play, continuing its tradition of elite-level performance. The Bulldogs advanced to this round with a 73-64 win over Kennesaw State, overcoming some early offensive struggles to pull away late. Over their last five games, Gonzaga has recently won over Kennesaw State, Santa Clara, Oregon State, and Portland, while recently losing to Saint Mary’s. That stretch shows a team that consistently finds ways to win even when not playing its best basketball.
Statistically, Gonzaga has been one of the most efficient offensive teams in the country, averaging 84.8 points per game while allowing just 65.9 points per contest. They shoot an impressive 51% from the field and average 40.1 rebounds and 18.3 assists per game, highlighting strong ball movement and interior scoring. Defensively, they generate 8.5 steals and 3.7 blocks per game, making them disruptive on that end as well. Their ability to combine efficient offense with solid defense makes them one of the most complete teams in the field.
In the First Round, Graham Ike led Gonzaga with 19 points, while Jalen Warley controlled the boards with 12 rebounds, helping the Bulldogs secure a 45-34 rebounding advantage. Gonzaga also shot 87% from the free throw line and held Kennesaw State to just 36% shooting, showcasing their defensive discipline. While their three-point shooting was not efficient in that game, their ability to dominate the glass and capitalize at the free throw line stands out as a key tournament-specific edge. With a short turnaround, Gonzaga’s depth and ability to adjust offensively should play a major role.
Texas Longhorns vs Gonzaga Bulldogs Pick
Texas Longhorns vs Gonzaga Bulldogs Spread Pick
- Pick: Gonzaga Bulldogs -6.5
Gonzaga’s balance on both ends of the floor gives them a clear advantage in this matchup. While Texas has the offensive firepower to keep things competitive, Gonzaga’s efficiency, rebounding strength, and ability to capitalize at the free throw line should allow them to control the game. The Bulldogs are more consistent defensively and have shown they can win even when shots are not falling, which makes me confident they can cover the spread.
Texas Longhorns vs Gonzaga Bulldogs Total Pick
- Pick: Over 147.5
I like the over in this game because both teams are capable of scoring at a high level, and Texas tends to play at a faster pace. Gonzaga’s offensive efficiency should create plenty of scoring opportunities, and if Texas continues to shoot well from the field, this game could turn into a higher-scoring contest. With both teams having the ability to push tempo, I see this total going over.
Final Score Prediction: Gonzaga Bulldogs 82, Texas Longhorns 74
Betting on College Basketball?
- Join Picks and Parlays premium for free and get a free $30 coupon with code FREE30
- Get started and wager on college hoops today with our favorite online sportsbooks
- Claim a CBB betting bonus offer with the best sportsbook promos
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days
New DraftKings Customers: Spend $5+ Get $200 in Bonuses Instantly!
