Gonzaga vs Texas: Odds, Picks, Predictions (11/16/22)

Gonzaga visits Texas in a big non-conference game after coming off the close win against Michigan State on the aircraft carrier. Texas’ last game they played was a blow out win against Houston Christian. Gonzaga won pretty easily against Texas last year, so this should be an interesting matchup as a rematch from last year. Let’s take a look at the odds and make some picks and predictions for this game!

Gonzaga vs. Texas Odds

Texas is a 2-point home favorite against Gonzaga and is at -140 on the money line. The over/under is also at 144.5. Texas being a slight favorite here might come as a surprise, but it’s mainly because Texas is the home team. The over/under makes sense because both of these teams have shown they can be very good on offense and do just enough on defense. This spread could also move a bit before tip-off just because it’s such a low spread in general.

Gonzaga vs. Texas Prediction & Pick

The pick: Gonzaga +2

Gonzaga might not be their usual dominant self this year, but they are still very good, and might have the best overall player in the country in Drew Timme. Timme has proven time and time again the he’s a difference maker, and should be the frontrunner for the Wooden and Naismith Player of the Year awards. Gonzaga needs Rasir Bolton to step up more after making big strides last year, especially as a three-point shooter. Nolan Hickman and Malachi Smith are the other two players that have stepped up well. The player that has the biggest upside too is Julian Strawther, who came back after testing the NBA waters.

Strawther taking a big step forward this year would go a long way in helping Gonzaga become a National Title Contender. The Zags have been good, but they should be better with the talent they have. Texas is still a little bit of a mystery this year because they haven’t played anyone of substance just yet. Timmy Allen is the team leader, and can do it all on the wing from the three and four spots. Marcus Carr is a lightning rod of a player, and has the ability to score almost at will. The more surprising player that’s stepped up is Tyrese Hunter, who’s been the Longhorns leading scorer up to this point. The Zags are a better play here because they have more experience to trust, and while Texas has talent, they don’t have anyone that can guard Drew Timme one-on-one throughout the game, which should be the difference. Texas also isn’t as good on offense as Gonzaga, which will be a big factor here too.

Gonzaga vs. Texas Key Matchups

Can the Texas frontcourt slow down Drew Timme? Can the Gonzaga backcourt contain Marcus Carr?

Drew Timme vs the Texas front court

Drew Timme has continued to be his usual and dominant self this season early on. He’s averaging 22 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3 assists, 1.5 blocks, and he has a 57.6% field goal percentage on the year too. Timme is the biggest player on the floor too, which will be an advantage. Texas will probably throw Timmy Allen and Dillon Mitchell the most at him to try and defend him in some way. Allen and Mitchell are both capable and athletic players in the forward position, but Timme is such a matchup nightmare. If These two can’t slow him down, then the game could get out of hand in favor of the Zags.

Marcus Carr vs the Gonzaga back court

Marcus Carr is an electrifying scorer and has shown he can score almost at will. Carr is averaging 11.5 points, 4 assists, 3 steals, and he has a 41% completion percentage on the year. Carr hasn’t been as good as he’s shown he can be at Texas, especially since his time at Minnesota, but he’s still capable. Carr will get guarded by Nolan Hickman, Malachi Smith, and probably Rasir Bolton too. That is a very good trio of guards, but Carr could still get the advantage here, especially because he’s a senior. Carr needs to have a good game for Texas to have a chance here.