By Garin Turner
In the west region the 3/14 matchup is between the 3 Gonzaga Bulldogs and the 14 Kennesaw State Owls. The game is on March 19 at 9 PM EST on TBS. The winner of this game will go onto the round of 32 to face either BYU, Texas, or NC State.
Gonzaga’s road to the tournament
Gonzaga is 30-3 and won the WCC in the regular season and the conference tournament. The Bulldogs were 7-0 before losing to Michigan 101-61. Gonzaga won its next 15 games. They would then win six in a row. They won the conference tournament by defeating Santa Clara 79-68. Gonzaga went 4-1 against ranked teams. They beat Creighton, Alabama, Kentucky, and UCLA.
Kennesaw State’s Road to the tournament
The Owls went 21-13 and finished 6th in the CUSA but won the conference tournament 71-60 over Louisiana Tech. They went 2-1 against Louisiana Tech this season. After starting the season 8-2, Kennesaw State lost four in a row before going on a four-game winning streak. After going 2-2, they lost three in a row but turned it around and won four. They are currently on a three-game win streak. They lost their only game against a ranked opponent 81-73 to Alabama.
Keys to the game
Will the Owls be able to keep this close? This will be the best team they’ve played all year. The Bulldogs are making 51% of their shots. Graham Ike will likely be a problem for the Owls. He leads Gonzaga in points and rebounds.
Gonzaga Season Leaders
Points: Graham Ike; 19.7
Rebounds: Graham Ike; 8.2
Assists: Braeden Smith; 3.8
Kennesaw State Season Leaders
Points: RJ Johnson; 14.5
Rebounds: Frankquon Sherman; 8.4
Assists: RJ Johnson; 4.0
Verdict
This one is going to be over early. Gonzaga 95-Kennessaw State 60.
(image Credit:
Credit: Payton Saiz/Kennesaw State Athle
