Texas survives late battle to knock out Gonzaga: The Texas Longhorns delivered one of the biggest results of the NCAA Tournament by defeating No. 3 seed Gonzaga 74-68 in a thrilling second-round matchup. The game was played at the Moda Center in Portland and remained competitive until the final minute.
Gonzaga fought hard throughout the night and stayed within one possession late in the game, but Texas made the key plays in the closing moments to secure the victory. The result ended Gonzaga’s tournament run while sending Texas into the Sweet 16.
For Texas, the win continued a remarkable postseason run. The Longhorns had already played multiple games earlier in the week and still managed to eliminate one of college basketball’s most consistent programs.
Gonzaga’s strong effort led by Graham Ike
Gonzaga stayed competitive thanks to an outstanding performance from Graham Ike. The forward carried much of the offensive load and kept the Bulldogs within striking distance during critical stretches of the game.
Gonzaga top performers
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graham Ike | 25 | — | — |
| Jalen Warley | 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Emmanuel Innocenti | 9 | — | — |
| Mario Saint-Supery | 9 | — | — |
| Tyon Grant-Foster | 7 | — | — |
| Davis Fogle | 6 | — | — |
Ike’s 25-point performance was the best individual effort of the game. He consistently attacked the basket and scored in the paint, including a powerful dunk late in the game that gave Gonzaga hope in the closing moments.
Despite his scoring output, Gonzaga struggled to generate enough stops defensively when the game tightened.
Late-game execution decides the game
The final minute proved decisive in determining the outcome.
With 35 seconds remaining, Gonzaga trailed 69-68 when Ike delivered a powerful dunk through traffic to cut the deficit to just one point. The Bulldogs needed a defensive stop to regain possession and possibly take the lead.
Instead, Texas responded with the biggest shot of the night.
Camden Heide hit a crucial three-pointer, his only basket of the game, extending the Longhorns’ lead and putting Gonzaga under immediate pressure.
The Bulldogs attempted to respond quickly, but Mario Saint-Supery missed a three-point attempt. Texas secured the rebound and added a layup to seal the 74-68 victory.
Momentum swings defined the second half
The second half featured several dramatic shifts in momentum.
Gonzaga briefly gained control when Emmanuel Innocenti hit a jumper to give the Bulldogs a 40-39 lead. Soon after, a three-pointer from Mario Saint-Supery and strong inside play from Ike helped Gonzaga reclaim a 45-43 advantage.
However, Texas continued to respond each time Gonzaga tried to build momentum.
Even when Tyon Grant-Foster hit a three-pointer to give Gonzaga another lead, Texas answered with consecutive baskets to regain control.
A key moment came when Jordan Pope made a second-chance three-pointer that pushed Texas ahead 62-56, forcing Gonzaga to chase the game for the remainder of the contest.
First half control slips away for Gonzaga
For much of the first half, Gonzaga appeared to be the stronger team.
The Bulldogs held the lead for more than 14 minutes and built an eight-point advantage when Davis Fogle scored to make it 28-20.
Later, a three-pointer from Emmanuel Innocenti extended Gonzaga’s lead again, but Texas finished the half with a powerful run.
First-half turning point
Texas closed the first half with a 7-0 scoring run, capped by a Jordan Pope three-pointer following a Gonzaga turnover. The run flipped the scoreboard and gave Texas a 35-33 lead at halftime.
That late surge proved to be a crucial momentum shift in a game ultimately decided by six points.
Statistical comparison tells the story
Although Gonzaga competed well in several areas, Texas was more efficient offensively.
Team stats comparison
| Category | Gonzaga | Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goal Percentage | 45% | 51.7% |
| Three-Point Shooting | 25% (4-of-16) | Strong efficiency |
| Rebounds | 34 | 29 |
| Assists | 21 | — |
| Turnovers | 7 | — |
| Points in Paint | 38 | 46 |
| Bench Points | 13 | 20 |
Gonzaga won the rebounding battle and moved the ball well with 21 assists, but Texas’ shooting efficiency and timely scoring proved to be the difference.
Texas’ tournament momentum continues
The victory highlights Texas’ impressive run in the tournament.
The Longhorns had already battled through multiple tough games earlier in the week before facing Gonzaga. Their ability to remain composed in late-game situations played a major role in advancing to the Sweet 16.
Head coach Sean Miller praised the team’s resilience and emphasized how the group has improved throughout the season. According to him, the players have continued to grow through difficult stretches and are now playing their best basketball in March.
Another key factor in the victory was ball security. Texas finished the game with just five turnovers while producing 20 assists, a level of efficiency that allowed them to control important possessions.
Gonzaga’s season ends in disappointment
For Gonzaga and head coach Mark Few, the loss marks another frustrating finish to a promising season.
The Bulldogs showed resilience throughout the game, erased multiple deficits, and remained within reach until the final minute. However, their inability to close out defensive possessions and make key shots late ultimately ended their tournament hopes.
The defeat also means Gonzaga exits the NCAA Tournament in the second round for the second consecutive season.
Despite the disappointment, the team demonstrated strong teamwork, balanced scoring, and competitive effort throughout the matchup.
Read more: Brad Underwood Admits Illinois May Have Misjudged David Mirkovic Earlier This Season
Texas now advances to the Sweet 16 and will travel to San Jose for the next stage of the tournament. The Longhorns will look to continue their strong postseason form as they attempt to extend their run deeper into March Madness.
For Gonzaga, the focus now shifts to regrouping and preparing for the next season after a campaign that ended just short of another deep tournament run.
FAQs
Who won the Gonzaga vs Texas NCAA Tournament game?
Texas defeated Gonzaga 74-68 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
Who was the top scorer in the game?
Gonzaga forward Graham Ike led all players with 25 points.
What was the key moment of the game?
Camden Heide’s late three-pointer gave Texas a crucial lead in the final minute.
Where was the game played?
The matchup took place at the Moda Center in Portland.
What round did Texas reach after the win?
Texas advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.
