Texas tops Gonzaga 74-68 in NCAA tournament farewell to WCC
Texas secured a 74-68 victory over Gonzaga in the NCAA tournament, ending the Bulldogs' final game as a West Coast Conference member. The Longhorns dominated with strong ball movement and bench contributions, while Gonzaga struggled from beyond the arc.
Gonzaga entered the game with a 30-win season but fell short against Texas. The Bulldogs shot just 7 of 34 (20%) from three-point range, their worst performance in the tournament. For the season, they finished at 33.3% from deep—the lowest mark under coach Mark Few.
Texas controlled the game with efficient passing, recording 20 assists on 31 made baskets. This marked only the third time this season the Longhorns reached at least 20 assists. They also limited turnovers, committing just five—the fewest Gonzaga had forced all year. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs finished with 21 assists but gave up two more turnovers than Texas, resulting in a 12-11 deficit in points off mistakes.
The Longhorns' bench outscored Gonzaga's 20-13, with forward Nic Codie leading the way with a season-high 12 points. Chendall Weaver added eight more off the bench. For Gonzaga, Tyon Grant-Foster and Davis Fogle contributed seven and six points, respectively.
The loss marked Gonzaga's 1,505th and final game in the West Coast Conference. Coach Mark Few reflected on the defeat, which ended another 30-win campaign. Texas advanced with a balanced performance, capitalising on Gonzaga's shooting struggles and turnover advantage.
