Texas vs Gonzaga: 3 Player Props and Best Bet for Saturday, March 21

Two of the greatest things about the NCAA Tournament are the Cinderella stories and when big-time programs face off against one another. Fans will watch both on Saturday when the No. 11-seeded Texas Longhorns (20-14) face the No. 3-seeded Gonzaga Bulldogs (31-3) in Portland, Oregon.

The Longhorns’ run has been improbable. Texas backed into the NCAA Tournament, losing five of their last six games. But since arriving in the big dance, the Longhorns survived a scare against NC State in the First Four before overwhelming BYU in the West Region’s Opening Round.

Gonzaga dropped just three games all season, losing to tournament-bound teams Michigan and Saint Mary’s. The Bulldogs survived an opening-round scare against Kennesaw State, advancing with a 73-64 victory over the Conference USA darlings.

Can Texas continue its Cinderella run, or will the Zags win this battle between two elite basketball programs? We’ll cover that and provide bettors with our favorite props for this West Region Second Round contest.

Gonzaga Bulldogs’ Graham Ike UNDER 20.5 Points

The Bulldogs were led in multiple categories by potential NBA first-round pick Graham Ike. The 6-foot-9 senior forward scored 19.7 points, grabbed 8.2 rebounds, and dished out 2.3 assists to help Gonzaga achieve another 30-win season.

Ike had 16 total 20-plus scoring outbursts this season, but four of his past five games have been below that total. Expect Texas to clamp down on the Bulldogs’ inside presence, forcing the guard-heavy rotation to score. That’s why Ike is a strong bet to finish below his scoring prop line on Saturday.

Texas Longhorns’ Dailyn Swain UNDER 25.5 Pts + Reb

Junior Dailyn Swain is playing his best basketball down the stretch. The 6-foot-8 guard is averaging 13.5 points through two NCAA Tournament games – stats that are well below his 17.6 average – but he’s finding other ways to pad his stats for the Longhorns.

Swain had at least seven rebounds in his final five regular season games. His matchups against Gonzaga will allow him to keep up that pace. But the Bulldogs’ defense will likely keep him from scoring on the other end. For that reason, bettors should take the under on this combination prop wager.

Texas Longhorns’ Matas Vokietaitis OVER 8.5 Reb

Lithuanian Matas Vokietaitis isn’t a well-known name now, but the sophomore has a chance to make it at the next level. The seven-footer is averaging 15.7 points and 7.1 rebounds this season for the Longhorns.

He’s been a monster on the boards for Texas in the postseason. Vokietaitis has grabbed 24 rebounds through two games, including 16 against BYU on Thursday. Expect the longer Longhorns to control the glass against Gonzaga, thanks to this center’s length. Take him to cover his rebounding prop line.

Best Bet: Gonzaga (-6.5)

Both programs have been in the Sweet 16 over the past four seasons. Texas last made the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament in 2023, and Gonzaga accomplished the same thing in 2024.

Look for the Bulldogs to make their 10th among the final 16 teams with a win over Texas. After narrowly defeating Kennesaw State, expect the Zags to be out for blood to prove their dominance on Saturday. Gonzaga will easily cover the 6.5-point spread.