One of the top offenses in college basketball will meet the best defense in the sport on Saturday.
Gonzaga, which scored the second-most points per game (86.6) in the country this campaign, will look to upset Houston, which has been locking down its opponents all season.
The Cougars allowed just 58.5 points per game – a full point fewer than every other team in the country.
Looking to tail this pick?
Take a stab at these bets with our exclusive bonus code at BetMGM Sportsbook.
Our BetMGM Sportsbook bonus code POSTBET gives you your first bet back as a bonus bet if it loses, up to $1,500.
Houston vs. Gonzaga prediction
Despite plenty of offensive explosions this season, Mark Few’s club has had trouble when faced with some of the better defensive teams on its schedule.
Take St. Mary’s, for example.
The Gaels play at a plodding pace but are still ranked as the 10th-most efficient defense in the country. St. Mary’s held to 61 points per contest in three meetings with the Bulldogs.
UCLA, which had a surprisingly strong defense all year, held Gonzaga to just 62 points in a late December contest.
Most of the Bulldogs’ best offensive performances came against their soft West Coast Conference opponents – think Loyola Marymount, Santa Clara, San Francisco, and Pepperdine, among others.
Houston is a whole other animal.
Gonzaga should have a tough time scoring on Saturday.
The play: Gonzaga under 67.5 total points (-118, BetMGM Sportsbook)
Betting on College Basketball?
Love or hate the prediction, you can put your money where your mouth is by wagering for or against these picks during 2025 March Madness.
Use BetMGM Sportsbook bonus code POSTBET to get your first wager refunded as a bonus bet worth up to $1,5000 if it does not win. Terms and conditions apply.
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. AZ, CO, DC, IA, IL, IN, LA, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY. Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA). 21+ to wager. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS, NV), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA). Participant must complete the Wagering. Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. US Promotional Offers Not Available in MS, NY, ON, or PR. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions.
