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Gonzaga vs. Texas: 2022-23 college basketball game preview, TV schedule

By Jonathan Lidskin

Nov 10, 2022; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns guard Tyrese Hunter (4) looks to pass the ball during the second half against the Houston Christian Huskies at Moody Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 10, 2022; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns guard Tyrese Hunter (4) looks to pass the ball during the second half against the Houston Christian Huskies at Moody Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Gonzaga heads to Austin to complete the second half of the home-and-home series. Can the Bulldogs complete the sweep?

TV Schedule: Wednesday, November 16 – 9:30 p.m., ESPN2

Arena: Erwin Events Center – Austin, Texas

For some reason last year, Chris Beard’s team just never put the talent together. They finished as a six-seed in the NCAA Tournament and were a second-round exit. People figured out that they were a work in progress in the first week of the season last year when Gonzaga blew them out at the Kennel 86-74. The Bulldogs led the game by 20 at the half. This year, Texas gets a chance at revenge.

Gonzaga’s next test in a brutal non-conference schedule

The Zags faced off against Michigan State on the USS Abraham Lincoln and despite the weird conditions of the game, Mark Few’s team got it done. Gonzaga was an uncharacteristic 4-22 from three and made some massive adjustments at halftime to get the win. The Zags played through Drew Timme who finished the game with 22 points. Timme will likely draw Dylan Disu in the post who is back from a knee injury that ended his season last year. On the outside, definitely expect a more consistent shooting performance from Gonzaga’s guards. Nolan Hickman, Julian Strawther, Malachi Smith, and Rasir Bolton are much better shooters than what they showed on Friday.

Can Texas establish itself among the best?

It is pretty inarguable that Texas’ roster is better put together than it was last year. They had too much depth and for a lot of the season, they struggled to figure out who their best players were. With the addition of Tyrese Hunter, Texas has a legitimate star and they know who the offense should go through. Dillon Mitchell, a five-star freshman could have his hands full with Jacob Toppin on him, but a big game could be in store for Marcus Carr. Carr is inconsistent at times, but his quickness could give Kentucky some problems in transition.

What should fans be encouraged by from the game?

Texas obviously wants to be one of the big boys in college basketball, but this could be a game where they need a star to step up. Tyrese Hunter needs to have a big game for Texas’ to have a shot to keep pace with those Gonzaga guards. For the Zags, I think their fans were certainly be encouraged by them beating a physical team like the Longhorns. Obviously, they want the win because Gonzaga expects to win every game, but Texas is a top-30 team in offensive rebounding rate. It’d be nice to see Gonzaga show that they have the ability to control the game against a really physical team. After all, that is what they added Efton Reid to help with.

Next. 5 winners and loser of week 1 of 2022-23. dark

Gonzaga’s shooting struggles likely will not carry into Wednesday night and despite the tough road that the Bulldogs have ahead, this is one that they will be well prepared for. Texas’ ability to give themselves second chances at the rim will definitely be a big factor, but Gonzaga’s fast pace and a plethora of guards should be able to counter that. Timme won’t have 37 as he did in the last meeting, but Texas could also have a really tough time frustrating him.

Prediction: Gonzaga 77, Texas 72