Gonzaga (26-8) vs Houston (31-4)
- When: Mar 22 2025, 8:40 PM
- Where: INTRUST Bank Arena, Wichita, KS, USA
- Where to watch: TNT
Game Overview: Houston vs. Gonzaga
Spread: Houston -5.0
Total: 140.5
Region: Midwest – Second Round
Two powerhouse programs collide Saturday in what feels like an Elite Eight matchup disguised as a second-round showdown. No. 1 seed Houston takes on No. 8 seed Gonzaga, with a trip to the Sweet 16 hanging in the balance.
Houston Cougars Outlook
Record: 31-4
Streak: Won 14 straight
Houston didn’t waste time making a statement in their tournament opener, crushing SIU Edwardsville by 38 points in a wire-to-wire domination. The Cougars have now won 27 of their last 28 games and are peaking at the right time. They’ve made five straight Sweet 16s and look primed for another deep run.
Kelvin Sampson’s squad leans heavily on elite defense, physicality, and consistency. Houston leads the nation in scoring defense and rarely turns the ball over. Their identity is forged in toughness, and they play with relentless energy on both ends.
Betting Insight:
Houston is 6-1 ATS in its last seven NCAA Tournament games
The Cougars have covered in 10 of their last 13 overall
Houston games have hit the Under in 8 of their last 11
Gonzaga Bulldogs Outlook
Record: 26-8
Streak: Won 5 straight
Gonzaga might be an 8-seed, but their play is trending closer to a top-tier team. After crushing Georgia 89-68 in the opening round—jumping out to a stunning 27-3 lead—the Bulldogs looked every bit like a squad ready for another run to the second weekend.
Mark Few’s team is experienced, balanced, and battle-tested. The Bulldogs have reached the Sweet 16 in nine straight tournaments, and they’ve played in two national title games during that span. Gonzaga’s offense is humming right now, having hit 12 of 20 from beyond the arc against Georgia.
Betting Insight:
Gonzaga is 4-1 ATS in its last five games
The Over has hit in 6 of their last 9
Bulldogs are 7-3 ATS as underdogs of 5+ in their last 10 tries
Matchup Breakdown & Prediction
This game shapes up to be a contrast in styles. Houston will look to slow the pace and grind Gonzaga down with suffocating defense and rebounding. The Bulldogs, meanwhile, want to get into rhythm offensively, shoot efficiently from deep, and move the ball quickly.
The Cougars haven’t lost since early January, and their defense is a nightmare matchup for Gonzaga’s pick-and-roll heavy attack. Still, Gonzaga’s momentum and offensive balance make them a dangerous dog in this spot.
Prediction: Houston wins, but Gonzaga keeps it close. Expect a physical battle that stays tight into the final minutes.
Best Bet: Gonzaga +5
Lean: Under 140.5
Final Score Prediction: Houston 71, Gonzaga 68
Let me know if you want a condensed version for social media, or a betting slip breakdown format!
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
