Texas Longhorns Face Gonzaga Bulldogs in NCAA Tournament

11th-seeded Texas takes on 3rd-seeded Gonzaga in a second-round matchup

Mar. 21, 2026 at 8:54pm

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The Texas Longhorns men's basketball team will face off against the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on March 21, 2026. Texas, the 11th seed, defeated No. 6 BYU in the first round, while Gonzaga, the 3rd seed, is looking to bounce back from the loss of injured forward Braden Huff. The winner of this game will advance to the regional semifinals to take on either No. 2 Purdue or No. 7 Miami.

Why it matters

This is a high-profile matchup between two of college basketball's most prominent programs. Texas is looking to pull off another upset, while Gonzaga is aiming to prove its status as an elite team despite the injury to a key player. The outcome of this game will have major implications for both teams' tournament runs.

The details

Texas, the 11th seed, defeated No. 6 BYU 79-71 in the first round, setting up this showdown with 3rd-seeded Gonzaga. The Bulldogs will be without injured forward Braden Huff, who averages 17.8 points per game. However, Gonzaga still has a loaded roster led by forward Graham Ike (19.7 points, 8.2 rebounds per game) and a talented group of guards and wings. Gonzaga has also had success against SEC teams this season, going 3-0 against the Longhorns' conference.

  • The game will tip off at 4:10 p.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
  • Texas defeated BYU in the first round on Thursday, March 19, 2026.

The players

Graham Ike

Gonzaga's star forward, averaging 19.7 points and 8.2 rebounds per game.

Braden Huff

Gonzaga's injured forward, who averages 17.8 points per game.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The winner of this game will play either No. 2 Purdue or No. 7 Miami in the regional semifinals on Thursday, March 27, 2026, in San Jose, California.

The takeaway

This matchup between Texas and Gonzaga is a clash of two of college basketball's most prominent programs, with the winner advancing to the regional semifinals of the NCAA Tournament. The Longhorns are looking to pull off another upset, while the Bulldogs are aiming to prove their elite status despite the injury to a key player.