Kennesaw State vs Gonzaga

Gonzaga showed why they're a No. 3 seed, grinding out a 73-64 First Round victory over Kennesaw State at the Moda Center. The Bulldogs built their largest lead at 14 points, powered by a devastating 12-2 run midway through the second half that pushed them ahead 55-44. The Owls kept fighting with five lead changes and three ties, but Gonzaga's defense tightened when it mattered most. Davis Fogle sealed it with two clutch free throws with 26 seconds remaining, icing the game at 73-64. While Gonzaga had some offensive droughts that kept Kennesaw State within striking distance, the Bulldogs' ability to shift into defensive mode down the stretch proved decisive. The West Region matchup wasn't as dominant as the 20.5-point spread suggested, but Gonzaga advances with a steady, controlled performance.