The Gonzaga Bulldogs are getting ready for the next round of the NCAA tournament.

In Thursday’s game, the Bulldogs held on to beat the No. 16 seed Southern University Jaguars.

The team is now preparing for Saturday’s game against No. 9 Wichita State.

KIRO 7 Eyewitness News reporter Jeff Dubois spoke with one of Gonzaga’s key players in Thursday’s win.

Sophomore guard Gary Bell Jr. said there was one major problem the Bulldogs had against Southern.

“Wasn’t aggressive enough. And we’re going to have to be really aggressive against Wichita State,” said Bell.

Bell is ready to represent the Puget Sound area in the third round of the NCAA Tournament.

Bell scored 11 points in Thursday’s nail-biter game against the Jaguars. He’s expecting another tough game on Saturday.

As for being the No. 1 seed, the team has a target on their backs.

“All the numbers and all that goes out the window now. You have to play the games. The seedings doesn’t mean anything. We got Wichita State next. They’re a (No.) 9 and we’re a (No.) 1, but it doesn’t mean anything. We have to win,” Bell said.

Fans are hoping for a wider margin of victory on Saturday.

“A little too close for comfort,” said Gonzaga alumni Aaron O’Dell.

 Many Gonzaga fans were relieved that their team pulled off the win.

“It’s a good thing I didn’t have any food in my system because I probably wouldn’t have held it down,” said O’Dell.

The team practiced Friday, which was closed to media.

Players told Dubois the team is going to use Thursday’s close call as some extra motivation against Wichita State.

Saturday’s Gonzaga-Wichita State game will be on TNT around 5:40 p.m.

Get the schedule for all the NCAA games on KIRO 7 and a special schedule of KIRO newscasts here and get all the latest March Madness news, video and photos here.