PORTLAND, Ore. — The Zags have touched down in Portland and are ready to begin their next run in the NCAA Tournament. Gonzaga is the third seed in the west region and takes on 14th-seeded Kennesaw State in the first round on Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Moda Center.
Coach Mark Few and several players spoke about the matchup in a press conference Wednesday afternoon.
Adam Miller said of the team’s overall experience going into this game, “We’ve got a lot of guys with a lot of games under their belt.
Jalen Warley said of KSU’s fast-paced offense, “team defense is what’s going to slow them down.”
The players were asked about GU being one of the oldest teams in the tournament.
“We’ve seen it all and bring our shared experiences to put our best foot forward for a run in March,” Warley said.
The players were also asked about the changes over the year in starting lineups.
“We understand it because we have so many talented guys…when these happen we don’t take them personally…at the end of the day the most important thing is us walking away with a [win].”
Gonzaga coach Mark Few said “it’s great to be back in the NCAA tournament” and the consecutive streak of appearances is something we take “very seriously” to continue.
“The best thing for us, is this is an easy trip for us and our fans,” Few said about getting to play in Portland.
Few added Warley isn’t 100%, but “probably playing in the high 80s.”
Kennesaw State Head Coach Antoine Pettway says his team will need to perform well to upset Gonzaga. He joked he hopes they make 25 threes tomorrow.
“We’ve got to take care of the ball, [Gonzaga is] one of the best teams capitalizing off other teams’ turnovers.”
Pettway had high praise of Graham Ike too, saying “I don’t think you can stop a player of his caliber.”
The Zags earned a three seed in the west region and will open the tournament in Portland.
Gonzaga plays 14-seed Kennesaw State on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. PST.
The Owls, 21-13, won their first-ever Conference USA title. It’s the school’s second trip to the NCAA tournament.
Gonzaga finished the regular season 30-3 and won the team’s final WCC tournament.
Mark Few’s Zags have made the tournament every year since 1999.
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