PORTLAND, Ore. (Interstat) — A classic March matchup of a tournament-tested powerhouse and a surging underdog is set for Thursday when the No. 1-seeded Gonzaga Bulldogs face the Kennesaw State Owls in an NCAA Division I men’s basketball playoff game at Moda Center.

The Bulldogs (30-3), one of the nation’s elite programs, enter as heavy favorites, installed by oddsmakers as 18.5-point favorites with an over/under of 157 points. Gonzaga, which last played in a 79-68 home win over Santa Clara on March 10, boasts a roster built for a deep postseason run. A key player is guard Mario Saint-Supery, who scored 21 points and dished four assists in that victory.

The Owls (21-13), meanwhile, are riding a wave of momentum from a successful conference tournament run. Kennesaw State has won three straight, including a 71-60 road win at Louisiana Tech on Saturday in its most recent outing. Guard Amir Taylor has been instrumental, averaging 17 points in that game and 23 points in a win over Sam Houston on March 13. Taylor’s scoring surge will be critical for the Owls’ hopes of an upset.

Gonzaga’s season has been defined by dominance, with its only losses coming to Saint Mary’s, Portland, and a 70-59 setback at Saint Mary’s on Feb. 28. Their average margin of victory in their 30 wins is over 20 points, showcasing a potent offense and stifling defense.

Kennesaw State, conversely, has navigated a tougher path, playing its last seven games on the road before this neutral-site contest. Their resilience was on display in a tight 58-55 home win over Louisiana Tech on Feb. 21 and a 91-87 road victory at Missouri State.

The game pits Gonzaga’s systematic efficiency against Kennesaw State’s recent clutch performance. The Bulldogs will look to control the tempo with their size and depth, while the Owls will rely on the hot hand of Taylor and the confidence from their recent road streak to keep the game competitive.

Tipoff is scheduled for Thursday, March 19, at the Moda Center in Portland.