Gonzaga Bulldogs Take on Georgia Bulldogs in Opening Round of NCAA Tournament

As the 2025 NCAA Tournament begins, one of the most anticipated matchups in the opening round features the Gonzaga Bulldogs against the Georgia Bulldogs. This high-profile clash between two powerhouse programs from different conferences promises to be an exciting contest, with both teams having their eyes set on advancing deep into the tournament. With the stakes higher than ever, both squads will look to establish themselves early on the national stage.

In this preview, we’ll take an in-depth look at both teams, analyzing their season performances, key players, and strategies, as well as what each squad needs to do to come out victorious in this intense showdown. From Gonzaga’s potent offense to Georgia’s balanced roster, this game is a clash of styles, and the result could set the tone for the rest of the tournament.

Gonzaga Bulldogs: A Legacy of Success and an Explosive Offense

The Gonzaga Bulldogs are no strangers to the NCAA Tournament spotlight. Head coach Mark Few has built a perennial powerhouse in Spokane, Washington, turning Gonzaga into one of the most successful programs of the past two decades. The Bulldogs have made the NCAA Tournament in every season under Few, and they’ve consistently been ranked among the top teams in the nation. The 2025 season has been no different, with the Bulldogs entering the tournament as a No. 2 seed in their region.

Regular Season Performance

Gonzaga finished the regular season with a 30-3 record, claiming the West Coast Conference (WCC) title for the 13th consecutive year. The Bulldogs were dominant throughout the season, boasting one of the most potent offenses in the nation, averaging over 80 points per game. Their success has been driven by a combination of elite scoring, exceptional ball movement, and an aggressive defense that has allowed them to outpace opponents throughout the year.

One of the key factors in Gonzaga’s success this season has been the play of Drew Timme, one of the best players in college basketball. The senior forward has been nothing short of sensational, averaging 21.4 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. His post moves and ability to stretch the floor make him a matchup nightmare for any opponent. Timme’s leadership and experience will be crucial for Gonzaga in this tournament, especially in a matchup like the one against Georgia, where his skill set could be the deciding factor.

In addition to Timme, Gonzaga has received standout performances from other players like Julian Strawther, a talented guard who averages 17.5 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. Strawther has shown the ability to take over games, particularly in clutch moments, and his outside shooting will be a key asset for the Bulldogs in this game.

Offensive Firepower

Gonzaga’s offensive system is built on fast breaks, ball movement, and getting easy baskets in transition. With multiple players capable of scoring in various ways, the Bulldogs are difficult to stop once they get into a rhythm. Timme’s presence in the post forces defenders to collapse on him, allowing other players to get open looks on the perimeter. Strawther, Anton Watson, and Rasir Bolton all have the ability to knock down three-pointers, and their ability to space the floor gives Gonzaga a well-rounded offensive attack.

Additionally, the team’s transition game is one of the best in the nation. With point guard Nolan Hickman running the offense, Gonzaga is able to push the ball up the court quickly and score in fast breaks. Hickman’s ability to facilitate and set up scoring opportunities will be key to Gonzaga’s success in this matchup. If the Bulldogs can get out in transition, it could be a long night for Georgia’s defense.

Defensive Improvement

While Gonzaga has been known for its high-scoring offense, their defense has been an area of concern in the past. However, this season, the Bulldogs have made noticeable strides on the defensive end. They’re more disciplined in their rotations and have become better at contesting shots without fouling. Timme, while known for his scoring, has also been a solid presence in the paint, blocking shots and protecting the rim. Watson is another key defensive player, capable of guarding multiple positions and providing energy on that end of the floor.

Against Georgia’s high-energy offense, Gonzaga will need to maintain their defensive intensity. If they can limit Georgia’s fast breaks and control the paint, they should be able to stifle the Bulldogs’ offense.

Georgia Bulldogs: A Balanced Team with Playoff Aspirations

On the other side of the court, the Georgia Bulldogs are looking to make a splash in the tournament under the leadership of head coach Mike White. While Georgia is often overshadowed by its SEC rivals, the Bulldogs have quietly built a competitive team that earned a No. 7 seed in the tournament.

Regular Season Performance

Georgia finished the season with a 26-7 record, finishing second in the SEC. They were able to post impressive victories over some of the nation’s top teams, including wins over Kentucky, Alabama, and Arkansas. The Bulldogs’ combination of offensive efficiency and defensive toughness has made them a dangerous team entering the tournament. They rank in the top 20 in both points scored and points allowed, showing their ability to balance scoring with lockdown defense.

Georgia has been particularly impressive with their balanced offensive attack. They don’t rely on just one player to generate offense; instead, they have multiple scoring threats that can take over on any given night. The Bulldogs are led by Terry Roberts, a senior guard who has been the team’s most consistent scorer and playmaker. Roberts averages 17.1 points, 5.4 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game. His ability to create his own shot and facilitate for others makes him the engine that drives Georgia’s offense.

Alongside Roberts, Braelen Bridges has been a dominant presence in the paint. The 6-foot-9 forward averages 15.2 points and 7.9 rebounds per game, and his physicality in the low post will be an important factor in Georgia’s game plan against Gonzaga. If Bridges can establish himself early and create mismatches in the post, Georgia could have an edge in controlling the tempo of the game.

Defensive Toughness

Georgia’s defensive strategy is what separates them from many other mid-tier teams. The Bulldogs are known for their ability to play tough, physical defense, and they will need to lean on that if they hope to compete with Gonzaga’s high-powered offense. Georgia is a strong team in transition defense, but they’re also excellent in half-court situations, where they force opponents to take difficult shots.

One area where Georgia has excelled is in limiting opponents’ three-point shooting. They rank in the top 15 nationally in defending the three-point line, and against a team like Gonzaga, whose offense revolves around outside shooting, this will be a key point of focus. If Georgia can challenge Gonzaga’s shooters and limit their looks from beyond the arc, they will have a better chance of slowing down the Bulldogs’ offense.

X-Factor: The Bench Play

While Georgia’s starting five is solid, they will need their bench players to contribute significantly in this game. Players like Javon Franklin, Kario Oquendo, and Jailyn Ingram have shown flashes of brilliance this season but have yet to be consistently dominant. If Georgia is to pull off an upset, they’ll need these players to step up and provide the depth that can wear down Gonzaga’s starters.

Key Matchup: Gonzaga’s Offense vs. Georgia’s Defense

The defining storyline in this game is going to be the contrast in styles between Gonzaga’s offense and Georgia’s defense. Gonzaga excels at scoring in transition and using their size and shooting ability to overwhelm opponents. However, Georgia’s defense is built on limiting fast breaks and playing tough, physical basketball. How Georgia handles Gonzaga’s high-octane offense could determine the outcome of the game.

If Georgia can force Gonzaga to play at their pace, limit easy buckets in transition, and contest shots from the perimeter, they’ll have a fighting chance. However, if Gonzaga can get out and run, utilizing McDermott’s shooting and Timme’s post presence to their advantage, Georgia may struggle to keep up.

Key Players to Watch

• Drew Timme (Gonzaga): Timme’s ability to dominate in the paint and stretch the defense will be crucial. He is the anchor of Gonzaga’s offense and will need to perform at an elite level if the Bulldogs hope to advance.
• Terry Roberts (Georgia): Roberts will need to be aggressive in scoring and playmaking. He’ll have to be the catalyst for Georgia’s offense while also managing to limit turnovers against Gonzaga’s aggressive defense.
• Braelen Bridges (Georgia): Bridges’ performance in the post could be pivotal in keeping the game competitive. If he can control the paint, it will help mitigate Gonzaga’s offensive weapons and keep the Bulldogs in the game.