As the regular season nears its conclusion, the West Coast Conference is gearing up for an electrifying final week, featuring two critical matchups among its top contenders. This week, ninth-ranked Gonzaga, along with Saint Mary’s and Santa Clara, will take center stage in a drama that promises thrilling basketball action for fans.
The Broncos (23-6, 14-2) and Gaels (25-4, 14-2) will square off on Wednesday at 8 p.m. on CBSSN, battling for a crucial second-place finish in the conference standings. Following that, the top-ranked Gonzaga (27-2, 15-1) will face off against Saint Mary’s on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN in what has become a storied rivalry over the past two decades.
Head coach Randy Bennett, who has led the Gaels for 25 years, expressed the uniqueness of the current situation. “It’s never come down to this,” he noted, highlighting the stakes involved: the conference championship, the top seed in the conference tournament, and improved chances for an NCAA Tournament berth. The Gaels seek their fourth consecutive regular-season title, a feat yet to be achieved in their history, boasting an impressive 60-6 record in conference play during their championship run.
However, the path isn’t guaranteed, as they’ve faced tough losses against both Gonzaga and Santa Clara in recent months. “It’s definitely fun and it’s definitely scary,” Bennett remarked, acknowledging that nothing is without risks this week.
The historical context of these matchups further adds to their significance. Over the past 25 years, either Saint Mary’s or Gonzaga has won or shared the regular-season title, with both teams finishing in the top two spots in the conference for 13 of the last 14 seasons. The duels between these teams have produced a thrilling legacy of excellence.
Bennett’s immediate focus is on Santa Clara, a team that ended an eight-game drought against the Gaels in January and remains a formidable opponent. He praised the Broncos for their depth and playing style, categorically stating, “They have a good team,” emphasizing the need for Saint Mary’s to elevate its performance to secure a win before they can turn their attention to Gonzaga.
Bennett has vividly recalled the importance of every game leading up to the showdown with the Zags, underscoring the Gaels’ strategic approach of focusing on one game at a time. “We’re pretty good at talking the talk of one step, one punch, one round at a time,” he stated, reinforcing a disciplined mindset crucial for maintaining success.
As Gonzaga prepares for a Wednesday home game against Portland—an opponent that previously handed them a surprise defeat—both teams are gearing up for a highly competitive showdown this weekend. The rivalry has evolved significantly since Bennett took charge of the Gaels, who once struggled to compete with Gonzaga but have developed a powerful program over the years.
Bennett credits the Zags for pushing Saint Mary’s to elevate its game, a testament to Gonzaga’s position as a national powerhouse in college basketball. The camaraderie between Bennett and Gonzaga coach Mark Few is evident, forged through years of mutual respect and competition.
As the quest for a fourth consecutive title looms, the Gaels are driven by an aspiration to achieve something extraordinary. “The motivation is we’re trying to do something that’s never happened here,” Bennett concluded, framing the upcoming week as not only a culmination of the season’s efforts but also a journey toward greatness in their storied rivalry. With intense competition ahead, fans can expect a nail-biting finish to the West Coast Conference regular season.