#2 Gonzaga Bulldogs at #11 Texas Longhorns – tv, odds, injuries, and more
PNWS presents what you need to know for Thursday's Top 25 matchup between the Gonzaga Bulldogs and Texas Longhorns.
Chip Clark
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PNWS presents what you need to know for Thursday’s Top 25 matchup between the Gonzaga Bulldogs and Texas Longhorns.
Gonzaga Bulldogs fans didn’t have to wait long to watch their team face another quality opponent. Wednesday’s game against 11th Ranked Texas is another big test for Gonzaga on their quest to win the school’s first NCAA Basketball Championship.
Who: #2 Gonzaga Bulldogs (2-0) vs. #11 Texas Longhorns (2–0).
Where: Moody Center – Austin, Texas.
When: Wednesday, November 16, 2022 – 6:30 PM PST.
TV: ESPN2. Announcers: Dave Flemming, Fran Fraschilla
Line: Gonzaga +2. Over/Under: 143.5 (Odds Shark).
Injuries: Gonzaga – Out: Kaden Perry (back). Questionable: Joe Few (undisclosed). Texas – None.
Interesting Trends:
The Gonzaga Bulldogs have won 18 of 20. In addition, they are 13-1 as the visiting team. Against Big 12 teams, Gonzaga is 17-3, and one of those losses came in the 2021 NCAA Finals. The total has gone over in 4 of 6.
Texas defends the Moody Center very well, going 17-3. Against the spread, UT has only covered 2 of their previous 6 games.
Outlook
Drew Timme is the focal point of the Gonzaga Bulldogs offense. He’s averaging 22 points and 7.5 rebounds. The Zags need his production but can’t rely solely on their big man.
A big spotlight will be on point guard Nolan Hickman. Against both Tennessee and Michigan State, the offense sputtered. If they bog down again, Malachi Smith and Dominick Harris will see more time on the court.
Texas is a very good defensive team. Last year the Longhorns were the 10th-best scoring defense team. They are back at it in 2022-23, allowing 88 points in their first two games.
One Longhorn player Gonzaga needs to keep an eye on is Tyrese Hunter. The Iowa State transfer is averaging 14 points, 6 boards, and 2 assists per game.
When Gonzaga struggled to beat Michigan State on an aircraft carrier last week. People questioned if the Zags were overrated. Then MSU upset Kentucky four days later. Thursday’s game should answer the doubters one way or another.
UT is the favorite because they’re at home, but it’s always a good bet to take the Zags with points.
Enjoy the game.