Texas stuns Gonzaga to advance to Sweet 16, March Madness run continues
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Texas stuns Gonzaga to advance to Sweet 16, March Madness run continues
Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAY·USA TODAY Sports
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3 min read
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PORTLAND, OR — Texas is going from First Four to Sweet 16.
The 11th-seededLonghornsare keeping their March Madness run alive, upsetting No. 3 seed Gonzaga, 74-68, in the second round of the 2026 men's NCAA Tournament for their third win in five days.
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Fresh offslaying AJ Dybantsa and No. 6 seed BYUin the first round, Texas went toe-to-toe with the Bulldogs in a game where the lead changed 10 times and neither team led by double-digits.
Both teams traded buckets for the majority of the second half, but a spurt with just under seven minutes left gave Texas its largest lead at six and forced Gonzaga to have to catch up. The Bulldogs were able to make it a one-point game in the final minute, but Texas' Camden Heide, who hadn't scored all game hit a clutch 3-pointer with 14 seconds left that sealed the win.
Camden Heide #5 of the Texas Longhorns celebrates after making a shot against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
Tramon Mark #12, Jordan Pope #0, and Nic Codie #10 of the Texas Longhorns celebrate against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
Matas Vokietaitis #8 of the Texas Longhorns attempts a shot while being guarded by Graham Ike #15 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
Tramon Mark #12 of the Texas Longhorns attempts a shot while being guarded by Mario Saint-Supery #17 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
Jordan Pope #0 of the Texas Longhorns dribbles the ball against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
Davis Fogle #4 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs attempts a shot while being guarded by Chendall Weaver #2 of the Texas Longhorns during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
Nic Codie #10 of the Texas Longhorns attempts a shot while being guarded by Mario Saint-Supery #17 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
Jordan Pope #0 of the Texas Longhorns dribbles the ball while being guarded by Mario Saint-Supery #17 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
Tramon Mark #12 of the Texas Longhorns attempts a shot while being guarded by Tyon Grant-Foster #7 and Davis Fogle #4 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
Tramon Mark #12 of the Texas Longhorns dribbles the ball while being guarded by Davis Fogle #4 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 21: Dailyn Swain #3 of the Texas Longhorns attempts a shot while being guarded by Emmanuel Innocenti #5 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
Head coach Sean Miller of the Texas Longhorns reacts to an official against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
Dailyn Swain #3 of the Texas Longhorns dribbles the ball while being guarded by Emmanuel Innocenti #5 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
Tramon Mark #12 of the Texas Longhorns attempts a shot while being guarded by Jalen Warley #8 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
Dailyn Swain #3 of the Texas Longhorns attempts a shot while being guarded by Davis Fogle #4 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
Nic Codie #10 and Camden Heide #5 of the Texas Longhorns celebrate after beating the Gonzaga Bulldogs 74-68 in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
Nic Codie #10 and Camden Heide #5 of the Texas Longhorns celebrate after beating the Gonzaga Bulldogs 74-68 in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
Nic Codie #10 of the Texas Longhorns celebrates after beating the Gonzaga Bulldogs 74-68 in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
Anthon McDermott #33 and Camden Heide #5 of the Texas Longhorns celebrate after beating the Gonzaga Bulldogs 74-68 in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
Nic Codie #10 and Camden Heide #5 of the Texas Longhorns celebrate after beating the Gonzaga Bulldogs 74-68 in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
Camden Heide #5 of the Texas Longhorns attempts a shot while being guarded by Tyon Grant-Foster #7 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
Tramon Mark #12 of the Texas Longhorns dribbles the ball while being guarded by Jalen Warley #8 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
Tramon Mark #12 of the Texas Longhorns attempts a shot while being guarded by Jalen Warley #8 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the first half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
Head coach Sean Miller of the Texas Longhorns looks on against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the first half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
Tramon Mark #12 of the Texas Longhorns dribbles the ball against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the first half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
Simeon Wilcher #7 of the Texas Longhorns dribbles the ball while being guarded by Davis Fogle #4 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the first half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
Davis Fogle #4 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs looks on against the Texas Longhorns during the first half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
Jordan Pope #0 of the Texas Longhorns celebrates after making a shot against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the first half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
Dailyn Swain #3 of the Texas Longhorns dunks the ball against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the first half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
Head coach Sean Miller of the Texas Longhorns reacts to an official against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
Camden Heide #5 of the Texas Longhorns attempts a shot while being guarded by Tyon Grant-Foster #7 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
Dailyn Swain #3 of the Texas Longhorns dunks the ball against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
Camden Heide #5 of the Texas Longhorns celebrates after making a shot against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
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Texas stuns Gonzaga to clinch Sweet 16 berth in NCAA Tournament
Camden Heide #5 of the Texas Longhorns celebrates after making a shot against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
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Texas stuns Gonzaga to clinch Sweet 16 berth in NCAA Tournament
Camden Heide #5 of the Texas Longhorns celebrates after making a shot against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
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Texas stuns Gonzaga to clinch Sweet 16 berth in NCAA Tournament
Tramon Mark #12, Jordan Pope #0, and Nic Codie #10 of the Texas Longhorns celebrate against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
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Texas stuns Gonzaga to clinch Sweet 16 berth in NCAA Tournament
Matas Vokietaitis #8 of the Texas Longhorns attempts a shot while being guarded by Graham Ike #15 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
4/33
Texas stuns Gonzaga to clinch Sweet 16 berth in NCAA Tournament
Tramon Mark #12 of the Texas Longhorns attempts a shot while being guarded by Mario Saint-Supery #17 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
5/33
Texas stuns Gonzaga to clinch Sweet 16 berth in NCAA Tournament
Jordan Pope #0 of the Texas Longhorns dribbles the ball against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
6/33
Texas stuns Gonzaga to clinch Sweet 16 berth in NCAA Tournament
Davis Fogle #4 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs attempts a shot while being guarded by Chendall Weaver #2 of the Texas Longhorns during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
7/33
Texas stuns Gonzaga to clinch Sweet 16 berth in NCAA Tournament
Nic Codie #10 of the Texas Longhorns attempts a shot while being guarded by Mario Saint-Supery #17 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
8/33
Texas stuns Gonzaga to clinch Sweet 16 berth in NCAA Tournament
Jordan Pope #0 of the Texas Longhorns dribbles the ball while being guarded by Mario Saint-Supery #17 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
9/33
Texas stuns Gonzaga to clinch Sweet 16 berth in NCAA Tournament
Tramon Mark #12 of the Texas Longhorns attempts a shot while being guarded by Tyon Grant-Foster #7 and Davis Fogle #4 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
10/33
Texas stuns Gonzaga to clinch Sweet 16 berth in NCAA Tournament
Tramon Mark #12 of the Texas Longhorns dribbles the ball while being guarded by Davis Fogle #4 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
11/33
Texas stuns Gonzaga to clinch Sweet 16 berth in NCAA Tournament
PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 21: Dailyn Swain #3 of the Texas Longhorns attempts a shot while being guarded by Emmanuel Innocenti #5 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
12/33
Texas stuns Gonzaga to clinch Sweet 16 berth in NCAA Tournament
Head coach Sean Miller of the Texas Longhorns reacts to an official against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
13/33
Texas stuns Gonzaga to clinch Sweet 16 berth in NCAA Tournament
Dailyn Swain #3 of the Texas Longhorns dribbles the ball while being guarded by Emmanuel Innocenti #5 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
14/33
Texas stuns Gonzaga to clinch Sweet 16 berth in NCAA Tournament
Tramon Mark #12 of the Texas Longhorns attempts a shot while being guarded by Jalen Warley #8 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
15/33
Texas stuns Gonzaga to clinch Sweet 16 berth in NCAA Tournament
Dailyn Swain #3 of the Texas Longhorns attempts a shot while being guarded by Davis Fogle #4 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
16/33
Texas stuns Gonzaga to clinch Sweet 16 berth in NCAA Tournament
Nic Codie #10 and Camden Heide #5 of the Texas Longhorns celebrate after beating the Gonzaga Bulldogs 74-68 in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
17/33
Texas stuns Gonzaga to clinch Sweet 16 berth in NCAA Tournament
Nic Codie #10 and Camden Heide #5 of the Texas Longhorns celebrate after beating the Gonzaga Bulldogs 74-68 in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
18/33
Texas stuns Gonzaga to clinch Sweet 16 berth in NCAA Tournament
Nic Codie #10 of the Texas Longhorns celebrates after beating the Gonzaga Bulldogs 74-68 in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
19/33
Texas stuns Gonzaga to clinch Sweet 16 berth in NCAA Tournament
Anthon McDermott #33 and Camden Heide #5 of the Texas Longhorns celebrate after beating the Gonzaga Bulldogs 74-68 in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
20/33
Texas stuns Gonzaga to clinch Sweet 16 berth in NCAA Tournament
Nic Codie #10 and Camden Heide #5 of the Texas Longhorns celebrate after beating the Gonzaga Bulldogs 74-68 in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
21/33
Texas stuns Gonzaga to clinch Sweet 16 berth in NCAA Tournament
Camden Heide #5 of the Texas Longhorns attempts a shot while being guarded by Tyon Grant-Foster #7 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
22/33
Texas stuns Gonzaga to clinch Sweet 16 berth in NCAA Tournament
Tramon Mark #12 of the Texas Longhorns dribbles the ball while being guarded by Jalen Warley #8 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
23/33
Texas stuns Gonzaga to clinch Sweet 16 berth in NCAA Tournament
Tramon Mark #12 of the Texas Longhorns attempts a shot while being guarded by Jalen Warley #8 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the first half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
24/33
Texas stuns Gonzaga to clinch Sweet 16 berth in NCAA Tournament
Head coach Sean Miller of the Texas Longhorns looks on against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the first half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
25/33
Texas stuns Gonzaga to clinch Sweet 16 berth in NCAA Tournament
Tramon Mark #12 of the Texas Longhorns dribbles the ball against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the first half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
26/33
Texas stuns Gonzaga to clinch Sweet 16 berth in NCAA Tournament
Simeon Wilcher #7 of the Texas Longhorns dribbles the ball while being guarded by Davis Fogle #4 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the first half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
27/33
Texas stuns Gonzaga to clinch Sweet 16 berth in NCAA Tournament
Davis Fogle #4 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs looks on against the Texas Longhorns during the first half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
28/33
Texas stuns Gonzaga to clinch Sweet 16 berth in NCAA Tournament
Jordan Pope #0 of the Texas Longhorns celebrates after making a shot against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the first half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
29/33
Texas stuns Gonzaga to clinch Sweet 16 berth in NCAA Tournament
Dailyn Swain #3 of the Texas Longhorns dunks the ball against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the first half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
30/33
Texas stuns Gonzaga to clinch Sweet 16 berth in NCAA Tournament
Head coach Sean Miller of the Texas Longhorns reacts to an official against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
31/33
Texas stuns Gonzaga to clinch Sweet 16 berth in NCAA Tournament
Camden Heide #5 of the Texas Longhorns attempts a shot while being guarded by Tyon Grant-Foster #7 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
32/33
Texas stuns Gonzaga to clinch Sweet 16 berth in NCAA Tournament
Dailyn Swain #3 of the Texas Longhorns dunks the ball against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
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Texas stuns Gonzaga to clinch Sweet 16 berth in NCAA Tournament
Camden Heide #5 of the Texas Longhorns celebrates after making a shot against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
In a physical game that was mostly played near the basket, Texas outmuscled the Zags, efficiently scoring while 46 of their points in the paint, compared to Gonzaga's 38. Another key factor was Texas capitalizing on mistakes with 11 points off turnovers, compared to just two from the the Bulldogs.
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Of course, the bigs were the stars of the night. Matas Vokietaitis followed up his big night against the Cougars with 17 points and nine rebounds, with another 17 points coming from Jordan Pope. The Longhorns were able to withstand another star opponent in Graham Ike. The Bulldogs senior had a game-high 25 points, but limited him to just three rebounds.
Texas becomes first First Four team to reach the Sweet 16 since UCLA's Final Four run in 2021, and while it is by no means a Cinderella considering the resources it has, the Longhorns keep the magic of March alive, guaranteeing a double-digit seed makes the second weekend of the tournament.
Only four such teams were able to make the second round, and one of them – Texas A&M – lost earlier in the day.
Texas Longhorns forward Dailyn Swain (3) dunks against Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Davis Fogle (4) in the first half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center.
The Longhorns' run is remarkable considering how it entered the tournament on a three game losing streak, which forced Texas to have to play in the First Four to reach the field of 68. Tramon Mark's game-winning shot against NC State on Tuesday, March 17 started the hot streak.
Iowa State Cyclones fans cheer against the Kentucky Wildcats during the first half in the second round of the2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournamentat Enterprise Center on March 22, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri.
(Jamie Squire, Getty Images)
Kansas Jayhawks cheerleaders perform before a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the St. John's Red Storm at Viejas Arena on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, Calif.
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Nebraska's Berke Buyuktuncel celebrates with fans following a second-round game in theNCAA men's basketballtournament between Nebraska Cornhuskers and Vanderbilt Commodores at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City on March 21, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS, THE OKLAHOMAN via USA TODAY NETWORK)
Arkansas Razorbacks cheerleaders in the second half against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors during afirst round gameof the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Ore.
(Troy Wayrynen, Imagn Images)
VCU Rams fans react after a 3-pointer by Terrence Hill Jr. #6 of the VCU Rams in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.
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Howard Bison cheerleaders perform during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Michigan Wolverines at Keybank Center on Mar 19, 2026 in Buffalo, NY.
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BYU Cougars cheerleader in the second half against the Texas Longhorns during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center on Mar 19, 2026 in Portland, Ore.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
Former North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Roy Williams is seen in the crowd against the VCU Rams in the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on Mar 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.
(Bob Donnan, Imagn Images)
Texas A&M Aggies cheerleaders during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center on March 19, 2026 in Oklahoma City.
(William Purnell, Imagn Images)
Texas Longhorns band in the first half against the BYU Cougars during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center on Mar 19, 2026 in Portland.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
St. John's Red Storm mascot Johnny Thunder mixes with players prior to taking the court during practice day ahead of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 19, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
A Texas Christian University Horned Frogs cheerleader practices before the game during a first round game of the men's2026 NCAATournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.
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The High Point Panthers fans cheer during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Wisconsin Badgers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Troy Wayrynen, Imagn Images)
The High Point Panthers cheerleaders react during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Wisconsin Badgers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)
The North Dakota State Bison mascot and cheerleaders pose for a photo before the game against the Michigan State Spartans during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Keybank Center on March 19, 2026 in Buffalo, NY
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Nebraska Cornhuskers fans cheer after defeating the Troy Trojans during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center on March 19, 2026 in Oklahoma City.
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The Wisconsin Badgers mascot performs during a time out during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the High Point Panthers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
A view of Buddy the Street Dog as Queens University of Charlotte Royals guard Yoav Berman talks to the media during a practice session ahead of the first round of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Enterprise Center in St. Louis on March 19, 2026.
(Jeff Le, Imagn Images)
The High Point Panthers band performs prior to a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Wisconsin Badgers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
High Point Panthers fans cheer prior to a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Wisconsin Badgers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
The Wisconsin Badgers cheerleaders preform during the first half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the High Point Panthers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
The South Florida Bulls mascot performs during the second half against the Louisville Cardinals during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Keybank Center on March 19, 2026 in Buffalo, NY.
(Mark Konezny, Imagn Images)
The Texas Christian University Horned Frogs cheerleaders perform in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.
(Jim Dedmon, Imagn Images)
The Troy Trojans mascot dances on the floor during the second half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center on March 19, 2026 in Oklahoma City.
(William Purnell, William Purnell-Imagn Images)
The UCF Knights band performs during a practice session ahead of the first round of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 19, 2026 in Philadelphia.
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Nebraska Cornhuskers cheerleaders perform during the second half against the Troy Trojans during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center on March 19, 2026 in Oklahoma City.
(William Purnell, Imagn Images)
A Wisconsin Badgers cheerleader performs during the first half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the High Point Panthers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
The Ohio State Buckeyes cheerleaders perform in the second half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.
(Bob Donnan, Imagn Images)
Akron Zips fans in the first half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 20, 2026 in Tampa, Fla.
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)
Texas Tech Red Raiders cheerleaders in the first half against the Akron Zips during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 20, 2026 in Tampa, Fla.
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)
Santa Clara Broncos fans react to game play against the Kentucky Wildcats during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Enterprise Center on March 20, 2026 in St. Louis, MO.
(Jeff Le, Jeff Le-Imagn Images)
Akron Zips cheerleaders and mascot in the second half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 20, 2026 in Tampa, Fla.
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)
Wright State Raiders fans celebrate after a Wright State Raiders guard TJ Burch (22) scores during the second half against the Virginia Cavaliers during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 20, 2026 in Philadelphia, PA.
(Bill Streicher, Bill Streicher-Imagn Images)
Hofstra Pride cheerleaders in the second half against the Alabama Crimson Tide during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 20, 2026 in Tampa, Fla.
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)
Garth Noble of the Louisville pep band is amped at the 2026 NCAA Women's March Madness basketball tournament at the KFC Yum Center In Louisville, Kentucky. March 21, 2026.
(Matt Stone/Courier Journal)
Michigan head coach Dusty May high-fives players after 95-72 win over Saint Louis at the NCAA Tournament Second Round at KeyBank Center in Buffalo on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY NETWORK)
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish band and spirit squad cheer during the first round of the NCAA women's basketball tournament against the Fairfield Stags at Ohio State's Schottenstein Center in Columbus on March 21, 2026.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch)
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Iowa State Cyclones fans cheer against the Kentucky Wildcats during the first half in the second round of the2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournamentat Enterprise Center on March 22, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri.
(Jamie Squire, Getty Images)
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Iowa State Cyclones fans cheer against the Kentucky Wildcats during the first half in the second round of the2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournamentat Enterprise Center on March 22, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri.
(Jamie Squire, Getty Images)
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Kansas Jayhawks cheerleaders perform before a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the St. John's Red Storm at Viejas Arena on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, Calif.
(Denis Poroy, Imagn Images)
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Nebraska's Berke Buyuktuncel celebrates with fans following a second-round game in theNCAA men's basketballtournament between Nebraska Cornhuskers and Vanderbilt Commodores at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City on March 21, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS, THE OKLAHOMAN via USA TODAY NETWORK)
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Arkansas Razorbacks cheerleaders in the second half against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors during afirst round gameof the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Ore.
(Troy Wayrynen, Imagn Images)
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VCU Rams fans react after a 3-pointer by Terrence Hill Jr. #6 of the VCU Rams in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
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Howard Bison cheerleaders perform during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Michigan Wolverines at Keybank Center on Mar 19, 2026 in Buffalo, NY.
(Mark Konezny, Imagn Images)
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BYU Cougars cheerleader in the second half against the Texas Longhorns during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center on Mar 19, 2026 in Portland, Ore.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
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Former North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Roy Williams is seen in the crowd against the VCU Rams in the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on Mar 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.
(Bob Donnan, Imagn Images)
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Texas A&M Aggies cheerleaders during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center on March 19, 2026 in Oklahoma City.
(William Purnell, Imagn Images)
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Texas Longhorns band in the first half against the BYU Cougars during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center on Mar 19, 2026 in Portland.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
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St. John's Red Storm mascot Johnny Thunder mixes with players prior to taking the court during practice day ahead of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 19, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
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A Texas Christian University Horned Frogs cheerleader practices before the game during a first round game of the men's2026 NCAATournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.
(Bob Donnan, Imagn Images)
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The High Point Panthers fans cheer during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Wisconsin Badgers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Troy Wayrynen, Imagn Images)
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The High Point Panthers cheerleaders react during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Wisconsin Badgers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)
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The North Dakota State Bison mascot and cheerleaders pose for a photo before the game against the Michigan State Spartans during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Keybank Center on March 19, 2026 in Buffalo, NY
(Gregory Fisher, Imagn Images)
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Nebraska Cornhuskers fans cheer after defeating the Troy Trojans during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center on March 19, 2026 in Oklahoma City.
(Alonzo Adams, Imagn Images)
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The Wisconsin Badgers mascot performs during a time out during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the High Point Panthers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
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A view of Buddy the Street Dog as Queens University of Charlotte Royals guard Yoav Berman talks to the media during a practice session ahead of the first round of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Enterprise Center in St. Louis on March 19, 2026.
(Jeff Le, Imagn Images)
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The High Point Panthers band performs prior to a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Wisconsin Badgers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
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High Point Panthers fans cheer prior to a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Wisconsin Badgers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
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The Wisconsin Badgers cheerleaders preform during the first half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the High Point Panthers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
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The South Florida Bulls mascot performs during the second half against the Louisville Cardinals during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Keybank Center on March 19, 2026 in Buffalo, NY.
(Mark Konezny, Imagn Images)
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The Texas Christian University Horned Frogs cheerleaders perform in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.
(Jim Dedmon, Imagn Images)
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The Troy Trojans mascot dances on the floor during the second half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center on March 19, 2026 in Oklahoma City.
(William Purnell, William Purnell-Imagn Images)
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The UCF Knights band performs during a practice session ahead of the first round of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 19, 2026 in Philadelphia.
(Bill Streicher, Imagn Images)
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Nebraska Cornhuskers cheerleaders perform during the second half against the Troy Trojans during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center on March 19, 2026 in Oklahoma City.
(William Purnell, Imagn Images)
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A Wisconsin Badgers cheerleader performs during the first half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the High Point Panthers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
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The Ohio State Buckeyes cheerleaders perform in the second half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.
(Bob Donnan, Imagn Images)
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Akron Zips fans in the first half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 20, 2026 in Tampa, Fla.
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)
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Texas Tech Red Raiders cheerleaders in the first half against the Akron Zips during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 20, 2026 in Tampa, Fla.
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)
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Santa Clara Broncos fans react to game play against the Kentucky Wildcats during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Enterprise Center on March 20, 2026 in St. Louis, MO.
(Jeff Le, Jeff Le-Imagn Images)
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Akron Zips cheerleaders and mascot in the second half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 20, 2026 in Tampa, Fla.
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)
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Wright State Raiders fans celebrate after a Wright State Raiders guard TJ Burch (22) scores during the second half against the Virginia Cavaliers during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 20, 2026 in Philadelphia, PA.
(Bill Streicher, Bill Streicher-Imagn Images)
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Hofstra Pride cheerleaders in the second half against the Alabama Crimson Tide during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 20, 2026 in Tampa, Fla.
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)
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Garth Noble of the Louisville pep band is amped at the 2026 NCAA Women's March Madness basketball tournament at the KFC Yum Center In Louisville, Kentucky. March 21, 2026.
(Matt Stone/Courier Journal)
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Michigan head coach Dusty May high-fives players after 95-72 win over Saint Louis at the NCAA Tournament Second Round at KeyBank Center in Buffalo on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY NETWORK)
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The Notre Dame Fighting Irish band and spirit squad cheer during the first round of the NCAA women's basketball tournament against the Fairfield Stags at Ohio State's Schottenstein Center in Columbus on March 21, 2026.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch)
Gonzaga's loss was also a rarity for the established program. It won 10-straight against double-digit seeded teams, not having fallen to one since 2016. The last team seeded 11th or higher to know the Bulldogs out of the tournament was Wyoming in 2002.
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Texas now heads to San Jose, California, where they await the winner of Purdue and Miami (Fla.) on Thursday, March 26.