Gonzaga vs. Texas Prediction and Odds: Trust the Longhorns to Keep it Close

The candidate for one of the most intriguing and interesting matchups of the non-conference schedule of the college basketball season is set for tonight when No. 1 Gonzaga hosts No. 5 Texas.

Both teams got off to a strong start to their seasons, capturing blowout victories over inferior opponents. Texas took down Houston Baptist by a final score of 92-48, and Gonzaga defeated Dixie State 97-63.

Tonight's matchup will serve as a litmus test for both teams to see if they're truly national championship contenders.

Here's a look at the odds for the game, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.

Texas vs. Gonzaga Spread, Odds, and Total

Spread:

• Texas: +7.5 (-110)
• Gonzaga: -7.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

• Texas: +260
• Gonzaga: -340

Total:

• 148 (Over -115/Under -105)

Texas vs. Gonzaga Prediction and Pick

It's always tough to handicap an early season showdown between college basketball powerhouses. Gonzaga is coming off its second runner-up finish in the March Madness tournament in school history, while Texas is hoping that new head coach Chris Beard will lead them to a deep run in March.

Keeping in mind that Texas played one of the worst teams in the country in their opening game in Houston Baptist, the Longhorns shot the lights out. They shot 64% from the floor and 59.1% from beyond the arc. If they can get just as hot tonight, they should be able to keep it close against Gonzaga.

If the Bulldogs are going to run away with it, it will largely be due to their play down low. Despite crushing Houston Baptist on the scoreboard, Texas only grabbed 50.8% of rebounds in the game. That could be an area that Gonzaga can exploit them with the likes of Drew Timme and Chet Holmgren.

This Texas squad is too talented to lay 7.5 points against them this early in the season. I'll take the Longhorns and the points and hope they can keep it close.

Pick: Texas +7.5 (-110)

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