Gonzaga's NCAA Tournament Run Ends with Late-Game Collapse Against Texas Gonzaga’s 2025-26 season came to an end in heartbreaking fashion as the Bulldogs fell to Texas in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, 74-68. The loss marked the second consecutive year the team failed to reach the Sweet 16, reigniting frustrations over recurring struggles in high-stakes games. For fans, the final moments of the contest—particularly a late three-pointer by Texas—will linger as a painful reminder of how the Zags have repeatedly let opportunities slip away. The game’s narrative unfolded in familiar fashion for Gonzaga. Early in the contest, the Bulldogs controlled the tempo, forcing Texas into contested shots and limiting the Longhorns’ rhythm. The Zags’ offense, led by Graham Ike, showed promise, with Ike scoring efficiently and distributing the ball effectively. Gonzaga built an eight-point lead by halftime, despite a slow start from beyond the arc, shooting just 1-for-7 from three. However, the team’s struggles persisted, with defensive lapses and missed opportunities threatening their momentum. Texas, meanwhile, found its rhythm in the second half. The Longhorns adjusted their strategy, spreading the floor and exploiting Gonzaga’s switching defense to create open looks. A 6-for-6 scoring surge in the final minutes, capped by Jordan Pope’s three-pointer, shifted the momentum decisively in Texas’ favor. Gonzaga’s perimeter defense, a recurring weakness, faltered as the Longhorns capitalized on open shots, while the Bulldogs’ own shooting woes—only four makes from three-point range—exacerbated their woes. Despite individual efforts from key players, Gonzaga’s team performance fell short.#texas #tramon_mark #gonzaga #graham_ike #jordan_pope
