Texas Longhorns Prepare to Face Gonzaga Bulldogs in NCAA Tournament

Texas head coach Sean Miller discusses the team's matchup with the top-seeded Gonzaga Bulldogs

Mar. 21, 2026 at 1:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Texas head coach Sean Miller spoke to the media ahead of his team's NCAA Tournament matchup with the Gonzaga Bulldogs. Miller expressed respect for Gonzaga's program and the consistency they've shown over the years, acknowledging the challenge his team faces. He discussed the team's focus on free throw shooting throughout the season and his confidence in player Matas Buzelis at the line. Miller also talked about the importance of resilience and learning from failure, drawing lessons from past tournament upsets by lower-seeded teams. The coach addressed preparing the team to play in hostile environments, noting Texas' experience in tough road games this season. Additionally, Miller reflected on his own coaching journey and the evolution of his approach over the years.

Why it matters

This matchup between Texas and Gonzaga features two of the top teams in the NCAA Tournament, with Gonzaga being the #1 seed and Texas looking to pull off an upset. The game will showcase the coaching acumen of Sean Miller, who has experience leading mid-major programs like Xavier before taking over at high-major schools like Arizona and now Texas. Miller's ability to prepare his team to handle adversity and thrive in hostile environments will be crucial as they take on the Bulldogs, who have established themselves as a modern-day college basketball blue blood under head coach Mark Few.

The details

Texas will need to focus on limiting Gonzaga's second-chance opportunities and controlling the boards, as rebounding has been a key to the Bulldogs' success. The Longhorns will also look to get consistent production from point guard Jordan Pope, who has taken on an increased leadership role in his first season with the team after transferring from Oregon State. Miller praised Pope's growth as a floor general and his importance to the team's success this year.

  • Texas and Gonzaga will face off on Saturday, March 25, 2026 in the NCAA Tournament.
  • The game will tip off at 7:15 PM local time in Portland, Oregon.

The players

Sean Miller

The head coach of the Texas Longhorns, who has previous head coaching experience at Xavier and Arizona.

Mark Few

The head coach of the Gonzaga Bulldogs, who has built the program into a consistent national power over the past two decades.

Jordan Pope

The starting point guard for the Texas Longhorns, who has taken on an increased leadership role in his first season with the team after transferring from Oregon State.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're obviously thrilled to still be here in Portland and advancing in this tournament. Obviously we recognize the greatness of Gonzaga's program and the consistency year in and year out.”

— Sean Miller, Head Coach, Texas Longhorns

“If you followed us this year, as you know, we get to the free-throw line and we've shot a very good percentage throughout the entire season.”

— Sean Miller, Head Coach, Texas Longhorns

“We believe in him. We've kind of talked through it. My hope, like a lot of things in this tournament, as you get a game under your belt, maybe a second game, you start to ease in and feel more comfortable across the board.”

— Sean Miller, Head Coach, Texas Longhorns

What’s next

The winner of the Texas-Gonzaga matchup will advance to the Elite Eight round of the NCAA Tournament.

The takeaway

This game showcases the coaching prowess of Sean Miller, who has adapted his approach over the years to build well-rounded teams capable of competing with the top programs in college basketball. Miller's ability to prepare his team mentally and tactically will be crucial as they take on the challenge of facing the tournament-tested Gonzaga Bulldogs.