The No. 2 Gonzaga Bulldogs (2-0) face the 11th-ranked Texas Longhorns (2-0) Wednesday in Austin at 9:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Gonzaga vs. Texas odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
Gonzaga, which was a 12-point favorite, defeated Michigan State 64-63 Friday on the USS Abraham Lincoln at North Island Naval Air Station in Coronado, Calif.
After a difficult victory on an outdoor court, Gonzaga returns to solid land for this one. Under Mark Few — one of the best coaches in the country — the Zags have been known to play extremely tough non-conference schedules. They’ll look to win another road game and validate their place as one of the top teams in the country.
Texas is coming off an 82-31 rout of Houston Christian as a 36.5-point home favorite Thursday. This will be the 3rd of 3 consecutive home games to open the season for the Longhorns.
With both teams being amongst the favorites to make the Final Four, this could be a preview of a late-season tournament game in Houston.
Rankings courtesy of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.
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Gonzaga at Texas odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 6:01 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Gonzaga +120 (bet $100 to win $120) | Texas -150 (bet $150 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Gonzaga +2.5 (-110) | Texas -2.5 (-11)
- Over/Under (O/U): 143.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
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Gonzaga at Texas picks and predictions
Prediction
Gonzaga 90, Texas 77
Moneyline
BET GONZAGA (+115).
The Bulldogs looked like they were in trouble vs. the Spartans early in the second half, trailing 45-33 with 17:04 to go. But Gonzaga produced an 11-0 run to get within 45-44 at the 12:44 mark. MSU maintained a slight lead until Gonzaga tied it at 59-all with 3:56 to go and took a 61-59 lead with 3:15 remaining. Michigan State would miss a 3-point attempt in the final seconds.
This one vs. the Longhorns will not be so close. Despite this game being in Austin, the Bulldogs will control this matchup and strangle the Longhorns’ offense. While Texas might be one of the best teams in the Big 12, it is not at the level of Gonzaga
Gonzaga should not be the underdog, but since it is, I will take the BULLDOGS (+115) as my FAVORITE PLAY in this game.
Against the spread
PASS.
Gonzaga will control this game and win. Don’t worry about taking the 2.5 points as we’re backing the Zags’ moneyline to win outright.
Over/Under
BET OVER 143.5 (-115).
Gonzaga loves to run. So does Texas. This will be an up-and-down-the-floor game and when the Zags get the ball down low, they will finish.
Gonzaga’s last game was the 64-63 win over Michigan State, but that was outdoors in conditions not conducive to an Over. There will be no such conditions inside in Austin Wednesday and more shots will drop.
TAKE OVER 143.5 (-115).
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