Georgia basketball will defeat Gonzaga in March Madness for these four reasons.

In the 2025 NCAA Tournament, one of the most intriguing first-round matchups will see the Georgia Bulldogs take on the Gonzaga Bulldogs. On paper, Gonzaga, a powerhouse program under the leadership of Mark Few, comes in as a higher seed and is one of the favorites to make a deep run in March Madness. However, Georgia—under the guidance of Mike White—has a unique blend of talent, strategy, and momentum that makes them more than capable of pulling off an upset in this matchup.

In this article, we will explore four reasons why Georgia basketball will defeat Gonzaga in their highly anticipated March Madness showdown. From Georgia’s superior defense and strategic coaching to their under-the-radar star players and the potential for matchup problems, this analysis will argue that Georgia has the tools to emerge victorious in this high-stakes game.

1. Georgia’s Elite Defense Will Neutralize Gonzaga’s High-Powered Offense

One of the defining features of the 2024-2025 Georgia Bulldogs has been their elite defensive play. Under head coach Mike White, Georgia has built its identity around a tough, physical defense designed to disrupt opponents, force turnovers, and make life difficult for offensive juggernauts. The Bulldogs finished the regular season ranked in the top 25 for defensive efficiency in the SEC, with an emphasis on limiting opponents’ shooting percentages, controlling the paint, and defending the perimeter.

While Gonzaga’s offense, led by Drew Timme, is one of the most potent in the country, Georgia’s defense has the tools to frustrate them. Here’s how:

a. Timme’s Offensive Game Will Be Contained

Drew Timme is undoubtedly one of the best players in college basketball. His combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ allows him to dominate in the post, score efficiently, and even stretch the floor with mid-range jumpers. However, Georgia has the personnel to handle Timme’s inside presence.

Joshua Brown, a versatile forward for Georgia, has emerged as a strong defender this season. Standing at 6’9″, Brown possesses both the size and athleticism necessary to contest Timme’s shots in the paint and challenge him on the boards. Brown’s length and strength will make it difficult for Timme to bully his way to easy baskets inside. In addition, Terry Roberts and Kario Oquendo will be able to provide help defense and force Timme into uncomfortable situations when he faces double teams in the post.

The key will be making Timme work for every point he scores and not allowing him to get easy buckets in the paint. Georgia’s defensive system is designed to help the team load up on star players like Timme and make them take tough shots. The Bulldogs have the depth to rotate defenders onto Timme and keep him from finding an offensive rhythm.

b. Gonzaga’s Guard Play Can Be Disrupted

While Timme is the focal point of Gonzaga’s offense, their guard play also plays a crucial role in running the offense. Players like Julian Strawther and Nolan Hickman are skilled in creating shots, running pick-and-roll plays, and knocking down three-pointers. However, Georgia’s perimeter defense has been one of its strongest attributes this season.

Oquendo is an exceptional on-ball defender, and his ability to stay in front of opposing guards and contest shots on the perimeter will limit Gonzaga’s scoring opportunities from beyond the arc. Additionally, Roberts is known for his ability to guard multiple positions and will be crucial in denying penetration and making Gonzaga’s guards think twice before attacking the rim.

Gonzaga relies heavily on its guards to create offense, but Georgia’s defense has the capability to disrupt passing lanes, prevent easy ball movement, and force Gonzaga into difficult shot attempts. Georgia will force Gonzaga to play at a slower pace, preventing them from getting into their fast-break game and putting pressure on their guards to execute in half-court sets.

c. Defensive Rebounding Will Limit Gonzaga’s Second-Chance Opportunities

Another key aspect of Georgia’s defensive strategy is their ability to control the boards. With Brandon Murray and Kario Oquendo both capable of securing defensive rebounds, Georgia is well-equipped to limit Gonzaga’s second-chance opportunities. Timme and Anton Watson are excellent rebounders for Gonzaga, but Georgia’s commitment to boxing out and controlling the glass will prevent Gonzaga from dominating the boards and getting easy putbacks.

By limiting second-chance points, Georgia will make it more difficult for Gonzaga to get into their rhythm offensively, forcing them to score off of one possession at a time rather than generating easy opportunities from offensive rebounds.

2. Georgia’s Balanced Offense Will Keep Gonzaga on Its Toes

While Georgia’s defense is their calling card, their offense has also been a major factor in their success this season. Unlike Gonzaga, which often relies on a star player like Timme to carry the offense, Georgia has a much more balanced attack, with multiple players capable of scoring in different ways. This diversity will be a challenge for Gonzaga’s defense, which, while solid, isn’t immune to breakdowns when tasked with defending multiple offensive threats.

a. Kario Oquendo Is a Matchup Nightmare

Kario Oquendo is the heart and soul of Georgia’s offense, and his scoring ability makes him one of the toughest players to guard in the SEC. Oquendo’s versatility allows him to score in multiple ways—whether it’s driving to the basket, pulling up from mid-range, or knocking down three-pointers. His ability to create his own shot off the dribble means that Gonzaga will have to devote significant attention to containing him.

Gonzaga’s defense, which typically focuses on containing one primary offensive threat, will struggle to match up with Oquendo’s skill set. If Oquendo is able to get going early, it will put immense pressure on Gonzaga’s defense to adjust. Additionally, Oquendo’s ability to facilitate for teammates will give Georgia an extra dimension, as he can collapse the defense and kick the ball out for open threes or find cutters to the rim.

b. Terry Roberts’ Playmaking Ability Will Unlock Georgia’s Offense

Alongside Oquendo, senior point guard Terry Roberts will play a pivotal role in orchestrating Georgia’s offense. Roberts is known for his high basketball IQ and playmaking ability, which has allowed Georgia to thrive offensively throughout the season. His ability to break down defenses with his vision and pass accuracy will put Gonzaga in a difficult position, as Roberts will be able to exploit any defensive lapses by the Bulldogs.

Roberts has the ability to get into the lane and finish at the rim, or he can dish out the ball to open shooters on the perimeter. By maintaining control of the pace and making the right decisions, Roberts can keep Gonzaga’s defense scrambling.

c. Georgia’s Depth Will Wear Down Gonzaga

Gonzaga’s defensive depth isn’t as deep as Georgia’s, especially when you consider the level of competition Georgia has faced in the SEC. The Bulldogs’ ability to rotate players, play different styles, and throw various defensive schemes at Gonzaga will eventually wear them down. With players like Brandon Murray and Jusaun Holt contributing off the bench, Georgia has the versatility to keep their star players fresh and maintain offensive pressure.

As the game progresses, Gonzaga may struggle to keep pace with the constant defensive pressure and offensive production that Georgia can generate from its entire roster.

3. Georgia’s Coaching and Experience Will Prove Crucial

When it comes to March Madness, coaching and experience are often the differentiators in tight games, and here, Georgia holds a significant edge. Coach Mike White has been through the high-pressure situations that come with coaching in the NCAA Tournament. His previous experience at Florida, where he led the Gators to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, will be invaluable as he prepares his team for the intense atmosphere of March Madness.

White has instilled a disciplined, methodical approach in Georgia, with an emphasis on preparation, mental toughness, and execution. The Bulldogs will not be intimidated by Gonzaga’s pedigree; rather, they’ll come into the game focused and ready to execute the game plan. White’s calm demeanor and attention to detail in crucial moments will help his players stay composed, even if the game becomes tight in the second half.

In addition to White’s coaching acumen, Georgia’s roster has valuable postseason experience. Key players like Roberts and Oquendo have been through the grind of SEC basketball and know how to handle pressure-packed moments. This experience will allow Georgia to stay focused in key stretches of the game, especially when Gonzaga tries to build momentum.

4. The Momentum Factor: Georgia is Primed for an Upset

Momentum is a powerful force in the NCAA Tournament, and Georgia is riding a wave of positive energy heading into their matchup with Gonzaga. After years of struggle, the Bulldogs have finally found their stride, and their confidence is sky-high. The program’s return to the NCAA Tournament is a reflection of their growth, and the players are motivated to prove they belong on the national stage.

The fact that Georgia enters this game with a chip on their shoulder—having been underappreciated by many—will only fuel their desire to upset Gonzaga. The Bulldogs are playing with the confidence of a team that knows it has nothing to lose and everything to gain. With the entire college basketball world watching, Georgia will embrace the moment and play with an intensity that will be hard for Gonzaga to match.