The No. 8 seed Gonzaga Bulldogs and No. 1 seed Houston Cougars face off in the second round of the NCAA Tournament with a Sweet 16 berth on the line. Gonzaga dominated Georgia in the first round, while Houston had an easy time dispatching SIU-Edwardsville, cruising to a 78-40 victory.
The Cougars will look to extend their impressive season, but Gonzaga is riding a five-game winning streak and is one of the most dangerous teams left in the field. Can the Bulldogs pull off the upset, or will Houston’s elite defense shut them down?
Gonzaga vs. Houston Betting Preview
All Gonzaga vs. Houston odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Friday, March 22, 2025.
- Spread: Houston Cougars -5.5
- Moneyline: Gonzaga Bulldogs (+185), Houston Cougars (-225)
- Over/Under: 139.5 points
- Game Time: Saturday, March 22, 2025, 8:40 p.m. ET
- Location: INTRUST Bank Arena | Wichita, KS
- How to Watch: TNT
Houston enters as a 5.5-point favorite, which speaks to the Cougars’ suffocating defense and efficient offense. The Cougars have covered the spread in 16 of their 31 games as at least a 4.5-point favorite.
However, Gonzaga has won five straight and covered the spread in four of its last five games. The Bulldogs have the firepower to challenge Houston, as they average 161 total points per game with their opponents, far above the 139.5 over/under.
The game total has gone under in Houston’s last three contests, showing the Cougars’ ability to slow down opponents. Houston also holds a +6.5 rebounding edge per game, which could play a key role in dictating the tempo.
Gonzaga vs. Houston CSN Winning Probability
CSN Winning Probability: Houston 67%, Gonzaga 33%
Houston is the clear favorite, but Gonzaga’s 33% chance suggests this game could be closer than the spread indicates. The Cougars’ defensive efficiency and rebounding edge align with their status as a No. 1 seed, while Gonzaga’s elite scoring metrics make them a legitimate upset threat.
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This probability closely mirrors the Vegas line, reinforcing Houston’s standing as the team to beat.
Prediction for Gonzaga vs. Houston
This matchup will depend on whether Gonzaga’s high-powered offense can overcome Houston’s physical defense. The Bulldogs have excelled at scoring in transition and stretching defenses with their three-point shooting, but Houston thrives on controlling the pace and limiting second-chance opportunities.
L.J. Cryer has been a brute force for the Cougars, averaging 15 points per game, and his battle against Gonzaga’s frontcourt could be the deciding factor. Houston’s rebounding advantage and ability to lock down opponents should give them the edge, but if Gonzaga can find their rhythm from deep, this game could go down to the wire.
Prediction: Houston 78, Gonzaga 67
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