Gonzaga Bulldogs vs Houston Cougars Pick – 3/22/2025

The NCAA Tournament's Round of 32 brings a compelling contest between the Gonzaga Bulldogs and the Houston Cougars on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 8:40 p.m. ET at INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita, Kansas. This game features Gonzaga's high-powered offense against Houston's formidable defense, promising an exciting battle for a spot in the Sweet 16.

Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. Houston Cougars Game Preview

Gonzaga (26-8) enters this matchup after a decisive 89-68 victory over Georgia in the first round. The Bulldogs showcased their offensive prowess, shooting 55% from the field and 60% from three-point range. Key contributors included Khalif Battle with 24 points and eight rebounds, Nolan Hickman adding 18 points, and Braden Huff contributing 18 points and eight rebounds. Despite their offensive success, Gonzaga allowed Georgia to secure 13 offensive rebounds, indicating potential vulnerabilities on the defensive glass.

Houston (31-4), the tournament's top seed, demonstrated their defensive dominance in a commanding 78-40 win over SIU-Edwardsville. The Cougars limited their opponents to 30.6% shooting from the field and an 8.3% success rate from beyond the arc. Offensively, Milos Uzan led with 16 points on 6-of-7 shooting, while L.J. Cryer added 15 points and four assists. Houston's defense, ranked first nationally in points allowed per game (57.9), will be a significant factor in this contest.

Betting Insights

• Point Spread: Houston favored by 4.5 points.
• Moneyline: Houston -210, Gonzaga +172.
• Over/Under: 139.5 points.

Gonzaga boasts the nation's second-ranked offense, averaging 86.7 points per game, while Houston's defense leads the country, allowing just 57.9 points per game. This contrast sets the stage for a classic offense-versus-defense showdown.

Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. Houston Cougars Prediction

This matchup presents a clash between Gonzaga's high-scoring offense and Houston's stifling defense. While Gonzaga has demonstrated offensive efficiency, their struggles against top-tier defenses, as seen in their games against Saint Mary's and UCLA, raise concerns. Houston's disciplined defense and efficient offense provide them with a balanced approach. Considering these factors, Houston is likely to cover the spread and advance to the Sweet 16.

Prediction: Houston Cougars 74, Gonzaga Bulldogs 71.

For bettors, Houston covering the 4.5-point spread appears favorable, and the total points are expected to be close to the over/under line of 139.5, suggesting a competitive and closely contested game.