The Houston Cougars and the Gonzaga Bulldogs are set to face one another in the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament on Saturday, March 22.
Tip-off is set for 7:40 p.m. central on TNT.
Houston (31-4), a No. 1 seed, is coming off a 78-40 win over No. 16 seed SIU-Edwardsville on Thursday. Gonzaga (26-8) a No. 8 seed, is coming off an 89-68 win over No. 9 seed Georgia on Thursday.
Houston is seeking its sixth straight trip to the Sweet 16. Gonzaga is seeking its 10th straight trip to the Sweet 16.
Here is a preview of the game.
How to Watch Houston vs. Gonzaga
Date: Saturday, March 22, 2025
Time: 7:40 p.m. CT
TV Channel: TNT
Site: INTRUST Bank Arena, Wichita, Kan.
Houston vs. Gonzaga Betting Odds, Lines
Opening Line: Houston (-4.5)
Current Line: Houston (-5.5)
Over/Under: 139.5 (opened at 139.5)
Houston vs. Gonzaga Predictions
Houston got everything it could ask for from a first-round game as a No. 1 seed. The Cougars weren’t challenged. Coach Kelvin Sampson got to go deep into his bench. And, as an added benefit, forward J’Wan Roberts made his return from injury and only had to play 20 minutes.
The Cougars will need much more from him against Gonzaga.
Houston can shoot better than the 40% it shot on Thursday. But it held SIUE to 30% shooting and that Cougars defense can do the same to just about any team in the country.
Watch forward Ja’Vier Francis. He’s been on a mini-heater for the Coogs. After a solid game in the Big 12 title game, he had 13 points and nine rebounds off the bench in the first round.
Ryan Nembhard, the Bulldogs’ exceptional guard, only had three points in 31 minutes against Georgia. He averages 10.1 points. But he had his usual eight assists, and the rest of the starting lineup went off, led by 24 points by Khalif Battle.
With Braden Huff and Graham Ike, Gonzaga can counter Houston’s interior. The Bulldogs can also score in bunched. Remember — it dropped 101 points on Baylor in the season opener. The Bulldogs are 2-1 against the Big 12 this year.
This should be one of the best games on Saturday. Houston’s defense gives the Cougars the edge they need to reach the Sweet 16. But Houston can’t forget to score.
Houston 85, Gonzaga 81
ESPN Matchup Predictor: Houston (72.8% Chance of Winning)
You can find Matthew Postins on Twitter @PostinsPostcard.
