Three things to remember from Gonzaga’s victory over Georgia in the first round of the NCAA Tournament

March Madness is a time when the unexpected happens, and each game carries the potential to create unforgettable moments. For Gonzaga, a program with a rich history in the NCAA Tournament, their first-round victory over Georgia was a chance to solidify their position as one of the perennial powerhouses in college basketball. While it was expected that Gonzaga would come out on top, the game was filled with notable moments and standout performances that will leave a lasting impression.

In their 2025 NCAA Tournament opener, Gonzaga made a statement, showcasing the blend of experience, depth, and talent that they’ve become known for. With Drew Timme leading the charge, the Bulldogs earned a convincing win against Georgia, but there were a few key takeaways that stood out from the game. The result wasn’t just about securing a victory—it was about how Gonzaga played, how Georgia responded, and what both teams can take from the game moving forward.

Here are three things to remember from Gonzaga’s first-round win over Georgia:

1. Drew Timme’s Dominance in the Paint

When you talk about Gonzaga basketball, the conversation almost always starts with Drew Timme, the senior forward who has been a staple in the program for years. Timme’s ability to take over games in the post has made him one of the most dangerous players in college basketball. Against Georgia, Timme was nothing short of exceptional, putting on a clinic in the paint and proving why he’s one of the best big men in the country.

Timme finished the game with 25 points and 12 rebounds, establishing himself as the dominant force in the game. His mix of power, footwork, and basketball IQ made it nearly impossible for Georgia to defend him down low. The Bulldogs struggled to match his physicality and skill, often resorting to double-teams that only created open shots for Gonzaga’s outside shooters. What was most impressive about Timme’s performance was his ability to remain calm and collected in a high-pressure situation.

“Drew’s performance tonight was everything we expect from him,” said Gonzaga head coach Mark Few. “He’s been such a leader for this team. He understands what it takes to win in the NCAA Tournament, and he knows how to dominate at the right time.”

While Timme’s offense was key, his presence on defense was just as impactful. He altered multiple shots at the rim and made life difficult for Georgia’s interior players. His rebounding, both offensively and defensively, helped Gonzaga maintain possession and control the tempo of the game. His ability to anchor the defense while putting up points on offense is a testament to his versatility and why he’s considered one of the most complete players in college basketball.

For Georgia, containing Timme was always going to be a challenge, and it became evident early on that they didn’t have an answer for him. The Bulldogs had no choice but to double-team him, which opened up opportunities for Gonzaga’s perimeter shooters, but even that didn’t stop Timme from getting his.

“Timme is a next-level player,” said Georgia head coach Mike White. “We tried to make adjustments, but he’s too skilled and too strong. When you have a guy like that, it’s hard to stop him.”

As Gonzaga progresses through the tournament, Timme’s ability to continue imposing his will in the paint will be critical to their success. His performance against Georgia was a reminder of how vital he is to this team’s aspirations and how Gonzaga’s offense often revolves around him.

2. Gonzaga’s Defensive Strategy and Transition Play

One of the most impressive aspects of Gonzaga’s victory was the team’s defensive strategy and how they turned defense into offense. While Gonzaga is traditionally known for their high-scoring offenses and talented shooters, the team’s defense in the tournament opener was key to their success. Against Georgia, Gonzaga showed how they can lock down on defense, forcing turnovers and converting them into fast-break opportunities.

Gonzaga’s ability to get out in transition and score quickly was something that Georgia struggled to contain. On several occasions, Gonzaga turned Georgia’s offensive mistakes into easy baskets, leaving the Bulldogs unable to recover and adjust. The combination of strong on-ball defense, active hands in passing lanes, and relentless pressure allowed Gonzaga to dictate the pace of the game.

One key player in this defensive scheme was Julian Strawther, a guard/forward who contributed not only offensively but also as a key defensive piece. Strawther’s ability to get deflections and create turnovers was a key part of Gonzaga’s transition game. His energy and effort on defense helped keep Georgia off balance, and his ability to push the ball up the floor and finish in transition was a major factor in the Bulldogs’ success.

“Defensively, we did a great job of staying disciplined,” said Strawther after the game. “When you’re able to get stops and turn those into quick points, it gives you a huge advantage. We take a lot of pride in our defense, and it showed tonight.”

Gonzaga’s defensive intensity was evident from the very beginning of the game. They played with physicality, especially in the paint, and closed out on Georgia’s shooters with urgency. While Georgia is a team that thrives on offense, especially from their perimeter players, Gonzaga was able to disrupt the flow of the game by forcing tough shots and limiting Georgia’s opportunities to get into their offense.

The Bulldogs’ success on the defensive end and in transition is an area they’ll look to continue building on as the tournament progresses. While Gonzaga’s offensive firepower will always be their calling card, their defense and ability to convert turnovers into points will make them an even more dangerous team as they continue their NCAA Tournament journey.

3. Georgia’s Struggles and Resilience

While the victory was a dominant one for Gonzaga, Georgia’s resilience was something worth remembering. The Bulldogs were a team that came into the tournament with high hopes, led by a talented core of players. While they didn’t have the depth or experience that Gonzaga possessed, they showed plenty of fight and determination despite the lopsided nature of the score.

Georgia was able to weather some of Gonzaga’s runs, especially in the first half, when they managed to keep the game close by hitting timely three-pointers and executing well on offense. Kario Oquendo, Georgia’s star guard, led the way with 18 points and provided a spark for the Bulldogs when they needed it most. His ability to score from all over the floor kept Georgia in the game early, but Gonzaga’s defense eventually took its toll.

What stood out most was Georgia’s ability to maintain composure, even as Gonzaga began to pull away in the second half. Despite facing a significant deficit, the Bulldogs continued to fight, hustling for loose balls and contesting every shot. While the talent gap between the two teams was clear, Georgia’s effort and resilience in the face of adversity should not be overlooked.

“This was a tough loss, but I’m proud of how our guys fought,” said Coach White. “We didn’t give up, even when things weren’t going our way. Gonzaga is a great team, and we learned a lot from playing against them.”

For Georgia, the key takeaway from this game will be their ability to stay competitive in tough situations. Although they ultimately fell short, the experience of facing a high-caliber team like Gonzaga will be invaluable moving forward. If they can take this loss and build on the positive moments—such as their early shooting and resiliency—Georgia can use this game as motivation for future success.

 A Statement Win for Gonzaga

Gonzaga’s victory over Georgia was a solid performance that reinforced their place as one of the top teams in the tournament. Drew Timme’s dominance, the team’s defensive intensity, and their ability to transition effectively set the tone for what could be another deep run in March Madness. The Bulldogs showed they are more than capable of competing at a high level, but Georgia’s struggles with turnovers and defensive lapses ultimately proved to be their undoing.

As Gonzaga moves forward in the tournament, the key takeaways from this game—Timme’s inside presence, the defensive effort, and their transition game—will remain critical to their success. With a balanced attack that can dominate on both ends of the floor, Gonzaga is poised to make a serious push toward a national championship.

For Georgia, while the loss stings, there are plenty of positives to build on. Their resilience in the face of adversity and the individual performances from players like Oquendo show that they have the potential to make noise in the future, provided they can clean up their mistakes and continue to grow.

As for Gonzaga, their march toward a national title is far from over, but this first-round victory is a reminder of the power and potential that this team possesses—one game at a time.