PORTLAND — While aware of the reality they face a formidable foe in Kansas, the Portland State Vikings are up for the challenge.

The 16th-seeded Vikings (23-9) face the top-seeded Jayhawks (31-3) in the Midwest Regional in Omaha, Neb., on Thursday.

A 16th seed has never toppled a top seed.

“I think it’s exciting for our kids to play someone of their caliber,” Vikings coach Ken Bone said. “It won’t be easy, but it will be fun.”

The Vikings earned the school’s first-ever berth to the tournament with a 67-51 victory over Northern Arizona in the championship game of the conference tournament. Portland State was also the league’s regular-season champion.

Portland State’s 23 wins are the most in school history. The team heads into the tournament having won five straight games and 14 of the last 15.

Jeremiah Dominguez, the Big Sky’s player of the year, is averaging 14.3 points a game for the Vikings. Deonte Huff averages 13.9 points and 6.1 rebounds.

Huff was named the Big Sky tournament’s MVP after scoring 37 points on 14-of-19 shooting in two games.

The team practiced Monday at the Rose Garden, to ready themselves for a big arena. They were scheduled to depart for Nebraska Tuesday afternoon.

“I’m glad that the guys have been able to accomplish what they’ve accomplished. They’ve done a phenomenal job,” Bone said. “But it’s not over, so let’s go for it.”

Kansas won the Big 12 title by defeating No. 6 Texas 84-74. Although the Jayhawks have never before faced the Vikings, they are 8-0 against teams from the Big Sky.

The Jayhawks, who have won three straight conference titles for the second time in school history, are making their 19th straight appearance in the NCAA tournament and 37th overall.

They are led by Darrell Arthur, averaging 13.1 points and 6.2 rebounds a game, and Brandon Rush, averaging 12.9 points and five rebounds.

“It’s not going to be easy,” Kansas center Sasha Kaun said. “Being No. 1 doesn’t make it easier. It probably makes it tougher because everyone is going to knock down No. 1 and play harder against us. It’s going to be tough.”

Kansas has won seven straight going into the tournament.

Also playing in Portland State’s bracket in Omaha are eighth-seeded UNLV (26-7) and ninth-seeded Kent State (28-6).