Miss State
Texas
PORTLAND, Ore. (03/20/2026) — The Texas Longhorns showcased late-game fortitude and offensive balance, securing a crucial 74-68 victory over the Gonzaga Bulldogs on Friday night at the Moda Center. In a contest that featured eight lead changes and eight ties, Texas executed down the stretch, using clutch shooting to fend off a persistent Gonzaga squad led by a dominant performance from forward Graham Ike.
Guard Jordan Pope and forward Matas Vokietaitis each scored 17 points for the Longhorns, who shot an efficient 52% from the field and moved the ball effectively, registering 20 assists on 29 made baskets.
How It Happened
The game was a back-and-forth affair from the opening tip. Jordan Pope opened the scoring for Texas with a pullup jumper, setting the tone for a tightly contested first half. The teams traded baskets, with neither able to build more than a two-possession lead. A dunk from Dailyn Swain tied the game at 12-12 with 12:28 on the clock.
Gonzaga found a rhythm midway through the period, powered by the interior and exterior presence of Graham Ike. Ike’s three-pointer at the 8:52 mark gave the Bulldogs a 21-17 advantage. When Emmanuel Innocenti connected on a three of his own with 1:38 remaining in the half, Gonzaga held its largest lead of the game at 33-28.
But Texas closed the half with a decisive 7-0 burst. The run was capped by a deep, buzzer-beating three-pointer from Pope, silencing the crowd of 14,385 and sending the Longhorns into the locker room with a 35-33 lead and all the momentum.
The second half continued the tense battle. Gonzaga’s Mario Saint-Supery hit a 26-foot three-pointer with 14:55 left to push the Bulldogs back in front, 45-43. The lead changed hands several more times until a three-pointer from Tyon Grant-Foster put Gonzaga ahead 54-53 with 8:36 to play. Texas immediately answered with a 4-0 run, featuring a hook shot from Nic Codie and another dunk by Swain, to reclaim a lead they would not relinquish.
Turning Point
With the game hanging in the balance, Texas created separation in the final three minutes. Holding a slim 66-64 lead, Jordan Pope delivered a critical blow, sinking a 25-foot three-pointer off an assist from Nic Codie with 2:36 remaining to extend the Texas lead to five.
Gonzaga’s Graham Ike responded with a powerful dunk with 40 seconds left to cut the deficit to 69-68. But on the ensuing possession, Texas worked the ball to Camden Heide, who drained a 23-foot jumper with just 14 seconds on the clock, pushing the lead to an insurmountable 72-68 and sealing the victory for the Longhorns.
Star of the Game
While Matas Vokietaitis was a force with 17 points and 9 rebounds, the star of the game was Jordan Pope. The Texas guard finished with 17 points and 3 assists, but his impact went far beyond the box score. Pope’s timely shooting consistently shifted the game’s momentum, from his three-pointer at the first-half buzzer to the clutch shot that created a two-possession lead late in the second half. His poise under pressure was the difference-maker for the Longhorns.
For Gonzaga, Graham Ike was exceptional in the loss, pouring in a game-high 25 points on efficient shooting.
What It Means
For the Texas Longhorns, this is a signature win that demonstrates their resilience and offensive versatility. With four players scoring in double figures (Pope, Vokietaitis, Nic Codie with 12, Dailyn Swain with 11), Texas proved it can win a physical, high-stakes game against a quality opponent. The victory underscores their ability to execute in critical moments and should serve as a major confidence boost.
For the Gonzaga Bulldogs, the loss is a tough pill to swallow after a valiant effort. Despite Ike’s outstanding night and a rebounding advantage (34-29), the Bulldogs’ 25% shooting from beyond the arc was not enough to overcome the Longhorns’ offensive efficiency. The result highlights the need for more consistent perimeter scoring to complement their dominant frontcourt play.