Houston vs Gonzaga Odds: Cougars Only 4.5-Point Favorites in March Madness Second Round
Top-seeded Houston Cougars (31-4) face #8 Gonzaga Bulldogs (26-8) in a highly anticipated second-round NCAA Tournament matchup at INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita, KS.
White-uniformed player shooting basketball
Opening Odds:
- Spread: Houston -4.5
- Moneyline: Houston -196, Gonzaga +162
- Over/Under: 139.5
- Implied probability: Houston 65.75%, Gonzaga 38.17%
Key Performance Indicators:
- Houston: 14-game win streak, #3 in KenPom Net Rating
- Gonzaga: #9 in KenPom Net Rating, 60% from three in first round
First Round Performances:
- Houston defeated SIU Edwardsville 78-40
- Gonzaga beat Georgia 89-68
Key Players:
- Houston: Milos Uzan (11.5 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 4.3 APG)
- Gonzaga: Ryan Nembhard (10.8 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 9.8 APG)
Notable Facts:
- First-ever meeting between these programs
- Common opponent results:
- Both defeated Baylor
- Gonzaga beat San Diego State (80-67)
- Houston lost to San Diego State (73-70 OT)
- Houston beat West Virginia twice
- Gonzaga lost to West Virginia (86-78 OT)
The narrow spread reflects the teams' similar KenPom ratings despite their different seedings. Houston's defensive prowess will be tested against Gonzaga's efficient offense, led by standout point guard Ryan Nembhard.