LAS VEGAS – The Gonzaga Bulldogs are back on top in the West Coast Conference. Braden Huff led the charge with 18 points as Gonzaga took down No. 19 Saint Mary’s 58-51 in the WCC tournament championship game Tuesday night, avenging two regular-season losses to the Gaels.
With the win, the Bulldogs (25-8) clinched the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. However, both teams were already safely in the field, setting the stage for a high-intensity battle for bragging rights and momentum heading into March Madness.
This victory was particularly sweet for Gonzaga, which suffered a heartbreaking loss to Saint Mary’s in last year’s title game, ending a dominant streak of four consecutive WCC tournament championships and 10 of the previous 11. The Bulldogs also extended their national record to an astonishing 18 straight seasons with at least 25 wins.
Saint Mary’s Struggles from Deep
Saint Mary’s (28-5) saw its seven-game winning streak snapped in dramatic fashion. The Gaels, who had won 17 of their last 18 games, simply went cold at the worst possible time. According to ESPN Research, they finished an uncharacteristic 0-for-16 from three-point range—the first time in 787 games under head coach Randy Bennett that they failed to hit a shot from beyond the arc.
Mitchell Saxen led Saint Mary’s with 20 points but was limited to just six after halftime. Two-time WCC Player of the Year Augustas Marciulionis contributed 12 points but couldn’t get his team over the hump.
Zags Play Like Favorites
Despite being swept by Saint Mary’s in the regular season, Gonzaga entered the championship matchup with a stronger KenPom rating (No. 9 compared to Saint Mary’s No. 22) and as a slight favorite (-3.5) according to BetMGM Sportsbook. The Bulldogs lived up to those expectations, playing disciplined basketball and capitalizing on their opponent’s mistakes.
Gonzaga committed only four turnovers while forcing 18 from Saint Mary’s, including two crucial shot-clock violations in the final minutes. The defensive pressure and poise helped the Bulldogs regain their familiar position atop the WCC.
A Legacy of Dominance
This latest triumph adds another chapter to Gonzaga’s storied history in the WCC tournament. With 22 tournament titles, including 20 under head coach Mark Few, the Bulldogs have cemented themselves as one of college basketball’s most consistent programs. Only Kentucky (32), Duke (27), and North Carolina (26) have won more conference tournament titles at the Division I level.
Both teams now shift their focus to Selection Sunday, where they will learn their NCAA Tournament seedings and matchups. But for now, the Bulldogs can savor a well-earned championship victory and the return to their rightful place atop the WCC.
