The 2025 NCAA Tournament is heating up as the eighth-seeded Gonzaga Bulldogs prepare to take on the ninth-seeded Georgia Bulldogs in an exciting first-round matchup today, March 20, at 4:35 p.m. ET. The clash will unfold at the INTRUST Bank Arena, where fans from both teams are eager to witness the action.
Gonzaga, with a 25-8 record this season, is entering the tournament after a successful run in the WCC Tournament, where they clinched the championship by defeating Saint Mary's 58-51 on March 11. They are approaching this game with strong momentum and a favorable record as they aim for a deep tournament run. Meanwhile, Georgia finished the regular season with a 20-12 record, marking a competitive performance as they gear up for their chance at upset.
As per the latest odds, Gonzaga is favored by 6.5 points against Georgia, with a moneyline set at -287 for Gonzaga and +230 for Georgia. The over/under for total points is projected at 150.5. Notably, Gonzaga has consistently performed well under pressure, winning 75% of their games when favored on the moneyline this season.
When it comes to individual performances, Gonzaga's senior forward Graham Ike stands out. He leads his team with 17.1 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, showcasing his scoring ability and strong presence in the paint. His impressive shooting percentage of 59.6% adds to his effectiveness. In their last matchup against San Francisco, Ike recorded an impressive double-double with 27 points and 10 rebounds, demonstrating his skill ahead of this critical game.
On the other side, Georgia's freshman forward Asa Newell is also a key player to watch. Newell is averaging 15.3 points and 6.8 rebounds, shooting an impressive 54% from the field. In his recent game against Oklahoma, he produced a stellar performance, finishing with 21 points and 17 rebounds. Additionally, sophomore guard Silas Demary Jr. contributes significantly to Georgia's offense, averaging 13.4 points and leading the team with 3.1 assists and 1.7 steals, enhancing their defensive strategy.
The stakes are high for both teams, as the winner of this game will advance to the Round of 32 to face either the top-seeded Houston or the 16th-seeded SIU Edwardsville, adding to the excitement surrounding this contest.
For Gonzaga, the team has maintained a mixed record against the spread this season, holding a 14-19-0 against the spread. However, they have managed to cover the spread in 12 out of 18 times when favored by 6.5 points or more. The Bulldogs also possess a higher team points average of 86.6, placing them second in the nation for points per game, while their opponents average 69.6, ranking them 98th. This ability to outscore opponents is a critical aspect of their strategy going into the tournament.
Conversely, Georgia's offensive statistics reveal a team that can score efficiently, averaging 75.6 points per game, ranked 126th overall. Their penchant for hitting the over is apparent, as they have gone over the total in 14 games this season, indicating their matches often feature a high score.
This NCAA Tournament game promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams determined to make their mark on the national stage. The highly anticipated matchup will be available for viewing on TBS and streaming on Paramount+, allowing fans to follow the action live.
As the final preparations are made for this crucial first-round game, fans, players, coaches, and analysts alike are buzzing with anticipation. Each team has their unique strengths, and how those will play out on game day remains to be seen. Will Gonzaga's experience and ranking lead them to victory, or can Georgia defy the odds and take the win? Tune in this afternoon to find out!
