Gonzaga earns No. 8 seed, will play No. 9 Georgia in opening round of the NCAA Tournament in Witchita, KS
The 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament has set the stage for an intriguing first-round matchup between the No. 8 seed Gonzaga Bulldogs and the No. 9 seed Georgia Bulldogs. This game is scheduled for Thursday, March 20, at INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita, Kansas, with a tip-off at 4:35 p.m. ET, and will be broadcast on TBS.
Gonzaga Bulldogs: Season Overview
Gonzaga enters the tournament with a 25-8 record, having secured the West Coast Conference (WCC) championship. Despite their strong performance, including a 5-5 record in Quadrant 1 games and a No. 8 ranking in the NCAA NET, the Bulldogs received a somewhat surprising No. 8 seed. This seeding places them in the challenging 8/9 matchup, with a potential second-round game against the top seed in the Midwest Region, the Houston Cougars.
Offensively, Gonzaga is a powerhouse, averaging 86.6 points per game, which ranks second nationally. They lead the nation in assist-to-turnover ratio, reflecting their efficient ball movement and disciplined play. Five players average double figures in scoring, led by 6-foot-9 forward Graham Ike, who contributes 17.1 points and 7.5 rebounds per game.
Georgia Bulldogs: Season Overview
Georgia has made a remarkable turnaround under third-year head coach Mike White. After a 6-26 record under the previous coaching regime, White has led the Bulldogs to a 20-12 record this season, marking their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2015.
The Bulldogs’ defense has been a cornerstone of their success, ranking in the top 35 nationally in effective field goal percentage defense. They have held their own against high-powered offenses in the SEC, demonstrating resilience and tactical discipline. Offensively, Georgia averages 75.6 points per game, with freshman forward Asa Newell leading the team with 15.3 points and 6.8 rebounds per game.
Matchup Analysis
This game presents a classic clash of styles: Gonzaga’s high-octane offense against Georgia’s staunch defense. Gonzaga’s ability to score efficiently and share the ball will test Georgia’s defensive schemes. Conversely, Georgia’s defensive prowess and rebounding strength, led by Newell, could disrupt Gonzaga’s rhythm.
Rebounding will be a critical factor. Georgia ranks fifth in the SEC in rebounding margin, while Gonzaga has shown vulnerability on the boards in some of their losses. If Georgia can control the glass and limit Gonzaga’s second-chance opportunities, they could tilt the game in their favor.
Betting Odds and Predictions
As of the latest reports, Gonzaga is favored by 6.5 points, with the over/under set at 152.5 points.
However, Georgia’s defensive capabilities and recent form suggest they could cover the spread or even pull off an upset. The game’s outcome may hinge on which team can impose its style of play more effectively.
The Gonzaga vs. Georgia matchup is poised to be one of the more compelling first-round games in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. Both teams have contrasting strengths that set the stage for an exciting contest. Fans can expect a battle of wits and wills as these two programs vie for a coveted spot in the second round.