Full Breakdown
Gonzaga Advances Past Kennesaw State in NCAA Tournament Opener
3/20/2026, 10:18:58 PM
Gonzaga Holds Off Kennesaw State in First Round
In a tightly contested first-round matchup of the 2026 NCAA Tournament, the third-seeded Gonzaga Bulldogs defeated the 14th-seeded Kennesaw State Owls 73-64 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. Gonzaga's Graham Ike led the team with 19 points, while Davis Fogle contributed 17 points off the bench. The Bulldogs, who improved their tournament record to 23-4, will face the 11th-seeded Texas Longhorns in the next round after Texas upset the sixth-seeded BYU Cougars.
Kennesaw State, making its second NCAA Tournament appearance, initially took the lead, going up 14-7 early in the game. However, Gonzaga responded with a 10-0 run to close the first half with a 33-27 advantage. The Owls managed to narrow the gap to just five points late in the game, but Gonzaga maintained control to secure the victory.
Key Players and Strategies
Gonzaga's success can be attributed to its strong defensive play and effective ball movement, ranking among the top teams nationally in assists and assist-to-turnover ratio. Coach Mark Few emphasized the importance of maintaining composure and executing their game plan, stating, "We battled the storms... the bottom line is you just win."
Kennesaw State's strategy revolved around a fast-paced, aggressive style of play, which they executed effectively throughout the season. RJ Johnson and Amir Taylor each scored 15 points for the Owls, who averaged 27 free-throw attempts per game, ranking second nationally. Despite their efforts, Kennesaw State struggled to capitalize on opportunities, particularly in the second half.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Antoine Pettway of Kennesaw State acknowledged the challenge posed by Gonzaga, remarking, "That's a really good team and Coach Few does a tremendous job." He expressed pride in his team's performance, despite the loss, and noted, "We will be back. It was a great taste."
Mark Few reflected on the game, stating, "I'm really happy that we got through this one. It wasn't pretty. But the bottom line is you just win. And we get to move on."
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the victory, Gonzaga's performance drew criticism for its lack of finesse, with some observers describing the game as a "rock fight" characterized by missed shots and physical play. The Bulldogs' shooting struggles were evident, as both teams combined for a low shooting percentage in the first half. Critics pointed out that Gonzaga needs to improve its offensive execution as they advance in the tournament.
What's Next for Gonzaga
Looking ahead, Gonzaga will face Texas in the Round of 32 on March 21. The matchup presents a significant challenge, as Texas has shown defensive prowess and physicality that could test Gonzaga's strengths. The Bulldogs will need to refine their offensive strategies and maintain their defensive intensity to continue their quest for a national championship.
