The No. 1-seeded Houston Cougars look to punch a ticket to the Sweet 16 when they take on No. 8 Gonzaga Saturday in a Midwest Region game .

Both teams rolled in their openers, as Houston routed Southern Illinois-Edwardsville, while Gonzaga had an easy time with Georgia.

This is supposed to be competitive as far as 1-8 games go, as Houston rates as a 5 1/2-point favorite in the game in Wichita, Kan. The winner might be looking at a third-round game against Purdue in Indianapolis.

What time does Houston basketball play in the NCAA tournament today?

The No. 1 Houston Cougars play the No. 8 Gonzaga Bulldogs at 6:45 p.m. Mountain/ 6:40 p.m. local (Central) at INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita, Kan.

How to watch Houston vs. Gonzaga today

Houston plays Gonzaga on Saturday, March 21, at 6:45 p.m. MT/7:45 p.m. CT on TNT.

Houston Cougars vs. Gonzaga Bulldogs basketball odds

The Houston Cougars are 5 1/2-point favorites, according to odds on BetMGM.com . With an over-under of 139 1/2, Houston is expected to win 73-67.

What's next for the Houston-Gonzaga winner?

The winner plays the winner of McNeese State vs. Purdue in Indianapolis.

Houston basketball vs. Gonzaga predictions

Bret Bloomquist writes: "The Cougars have been one of the best, if not the best, defensive teams in the country this year. That's always how to bet in the tournament."

FOXSports : Houston 74, Gonzaga 71

The site says to take Gonzaga with the 5 1/2 points, and to bet over 139 1/2.

The site says: "L.J. Cryer has been a brute force for the Cougars, averaging 15 points per game, and his battle against Gonzaga’s frontcourt could be the deciding factor. Houston’s rebounding advantage and ability to lock down opponents should give them the edge, but if Gonzaga can find their rhythm from deep, this game could go down to the wire."

Bret Bloomquist can be reached at [email protected]; @Bretbloomquist on X.