#3 Gonzaga vs. #11 Texas Prediction, Odds, & How to Watch: March Madness® 2026
#3 Gonzaga and #11 Texas clash at the Moda Center in Portland for a West Region second-round showdown. Here are details, our prediction, and how to watch with Sling TV.
The No. 3 seed Gonzaga Bulldogs (31-3) entered the tournament as one of the most efficient teams in the country, boasting the nation's top defensive rating and a top-20 scoring offense. After a 73-64 victory over Kennesaw State in the first round of March Madness®, the Bulldogs look to secure their place in the Sweet 16®.
They face a No. 11 seed Texas Longhorns (20-14) squad that has found its rhythm at the perfect time. The Longhorns have won back-to-back games as underdogs, including a First Four win over NC State and a 79-71 upset of No. 6 seed BYU in the opening round.
Gonzaga features a high-powered offense led by All-American forward Graham Ike, while Texas counters with a physical, opportunistic style that has already claimed two higher-seeded victims in the last 72 hours.
To watch the Bulldogs vs. Longhorns Second Round game with Sling, use the link below for a 1 Day Pass subscription to TBS or a monthly subscription to Sling Blue or Sling Orange.
Gonzaga Bulldogs Analysis
- Season Overview: Gonzaga (31-3) dominated the West Coast Conference and ranks 1st nationally in defensive rating. They lead the country in points in the paint and effective field goal percentage (51.0%).
- Star Player: Graham Ike (F). The graduate forward is a force in the interior, leading the Bulldogs with 19.7 PPG and 8.2 RPG. He is coming off a season where he shot 57.3% from the floor.
- The X-Factor: Ball Movement. Gonzaga ranks 10th nationally in assists per game (18.3). If guards like Mario Saint-Supéry and Braeden Smith can consistently find Ike and Braden Huff (17.8 PPG) in the paint, the Bulldogs are nearly impossible to stop.
Texas Longhorns Analysis
- Season Overview: Texas (20-14) finished 10th in a brutal SEC but has hit a hot streak in March. They are a high-volume free-throw team, ranking 3rd nationally in free throws made per game.
- Star Player: Dailyn Swain (F). The versatile junior leads the Longhorns in nearly every major category, including points (17.8), rebounds (7.6), assists (3.4), and steals (1.7).
- The Upset Formula: Physicality and Glass Dominance. To pull another upset, Texas must utilize their size—specifically 7-foot center Matas Vokietaitis (15.5 PPG)—to challenge Ike and win the rebounding battle, an area where they excelled against BYU.
Key Matchup & Advanced Analytics
- Position Battle: Paint Protection vs. Interior Scoring. This matchup pits Texas’ physical frontcourt against a Gonzaga offense that thrives on high-percentage looks near the rim.
- Statistical Edge: Gonzaga holds a significant advantage in scoring margin (+19.1) and shooting efficiency, though Texas has been elite at drawing fouls and getting to the charity stripe.
- Betting Trends: Gonzaga opened as a 4.5 to 5.5-point favorite. While Texas is 19-15 ATS this season, Gonzaga has been one of the most consistent teams in the country, maintaining a top-10 NET ranking throughout the year.
Final Prediction & Betting Pick
- The Verdict: Gonzaga Bulldogs.
- Final Score Prediction: Gonzaga 81, Texas 74.
- Best Bet: Over 147.5.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is the favorite in the game between Bulldogs and Longhorns? Gonzaga is a 4.5 to 5.5-point favorite according to opening spreads.
- Where can I stream the 2026 NCAA Tournament? Stream the entire Men's Tournament by subscribing to Sling Orange or Blue and watch CBS games at the NCAA website.
- What time is the Gonzaga game? Tip-off is scheduled for approximately 7:10 PM ET on TBS.
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