PORTLAND, Ore. — The improbable run continues for the Texas Longhorns. After surviving a First Four play-in game and navigating a tricky second-round matchup, No. 11 seed Texas faces a significant challenge in the Sweet Sixteen: a clash with the No. 3 Gonzaga Bulldogs on Saturday at the Moda Center. The Longhorns’ 79-71 victory over BYU on Thursday marked the 13th time in the last 15 NCAA Tournaments that at least one team from the First Four has reached the second weekend, a testament to the expanded field and the potential for upsets in March Madness.
This year’s tournament has already delivered on that promise for Texas, a team that stumbled down the stretch and needed a win just to get *into* the field. Now, they’re looking to extend their stay and coach Sean Miller believes a defensive turnaround is key. “I think the last couple of games from a defensive perspective is about as good as we’ve done all year,” Miller said after the win against BYU. “When you connect the defense with the offense that we’ve played, you have a team that’s certainly dangerous. That’s what I would call us right now.”
Sophomore center Matas Vokietaitis led the way against BYU with a dominant performance, scoring a career-high 23 points and grabbing 16 rebounds. That rebounding total was just two shy of the Texas NCAA Tournament single-game record. Vokietaitis became the first player in Longhorns history to record a 20-point, 15-rebound game in the tournament, showcasing a physicality that proved crucial against a strong BYU frontcourt. Graduate guard Tramon Mark also played a pivotal role, contributing 19 points and a career-best four blocks, effectively disrupting BYU’s star freshman, AJ Dybantsa.
Containing Dybantsa Was Key to Texas’s Success
Dybantsa, widely projected as a potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, finished with a game-high 35 points, but the Longhorns limited his efficiency. They held him to 1-of-7 shooting from three-point range and forced five of BYU’s seven turnovers, disrupting his rhythm and preventing him from fully taking over the game. “We understood that he has the ability to score like nobody else,” Miller explained. “What we talked about is a jump shot by him is a victory for us. What we couldn’t afford is that he puts Dailyn in great foul trouble or he fouls our entire team out.” The Longhorns successfully navigated that challenge, keeping Dybantsa in check and ultimately controlling the game for 39:07, building a lead that reached as many as 17 points.
Gonzaga’s Path to the Sweet Sixteen
Texas’s path to the Sweet Sixteen wasn’t easy, but Gonzaga has also demonstrated its resilience. The Bulldogs, 31-3 on the season, cruised through the West Coast Conference, finishing 16-2 in league play and winning the conference tournament in their final season before moving to the Pac-12. They defeated Santa Clara in the tournament final, securing their place in the NCAA Tournament. Gonzaga then dispatched Kennesaw State 73-64 in the first round, though the game wasn’t without its struggles, particularly from three-point range where they shot just 3-of-18.
The Bulldogs are led by Graham Ike, a 6’9”, 260-pound forward who transferred from Wyoming and was named WCC Player of the Year. Ike averages 19.7 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, showcasing a soft touch around the basket and a knack for drawing fouls. He shoots 70.9% from the field inside the arc and 52.1% on mid-range attempts, and adds a surprising 34.3% from beyond the three-point line. CBS Sports detailed the Bulldogs’ first-round win, highlighting their bench contribution and transition offense.
Challenges for Gonzaga After Losing Key Player
Gonzaga has faced adversity this season, losing forward Braden Huff to a season-ending knee injury in January. Huff was averaging 17.8 points and 5.6 rebounds per game before the injury, and his absence has forced the Bulldogs to rely more on their backcourt. Four guards currently average between seven and 11.2 points per game, with Tyon Grant-Foster leading the way. Grant-Foster is a versatile wing who contributes on the boards and leads the team with 38 blocks. Mario Saint-Supery, a Spanish guard, is the team’s most reliable three-point shooter, connecting on 41.6% of his attempts.
Defensively, Gonzaga ranks 10th nationally in adjusted efficiency, excelling at defending inside the arc, securing defensive rebounds, and forcing turnovers. However, the Bulldogs struggle from three-point range, shooting just 33.5%, and have difficulty getting to the free-throw line. Their reliance on inside scoring and second-chance opportunities will be tested against a Texas team that has shown defensive improvement.
Series History and What to Expect Saturday
The all-time series between Texas and Gonzaga favors the Bulldogs, 4-1. The Longhorns’ lone victory came in 2022, a 93-74 win in Austin fueled by 26 points from guard Tyrese Hunter. This game represents a chance for Texas to even the series and build a statement on the national stage. The matchup is scheduled for 6:10 p.m. Central time on Saturday at the Moda Center and will be broadcast on TBS.
Texas has reached the Round of 32 four times in the last five years, but their last trip to the Sweet Sixteen came in 2008, where they advanced to the Elite Eight. Gonzaga, consistently a national contender, will present a formidable challenge. The game promises to be a clash of styles, with Texas relying on its improved defense and Gonzaga looking to exploit its size and inside scoring.
The winner of Saturday’s game will advance to the Elite Eight, continuing their pursuit of a national championship. Both teams have demonstrated the ability to overcome adversity and perform under pressure, setting the stage for a compelling contest. The NCAA Tournament bracket and schedule updates can be found on the official NCAA website.
What do you think? Can Texas continue its improbable run, or will Gonzaga’s experience and size prove too much to overcome? Share your thoughts in the comments below and share this article with fellow college basketball fans.
