What's Happening?
Saint Mary's Gaels will host the Gonzaga Bulldogs in a pivotal West Coast Conference (WCC) basketball game on Saturday, February 28, at University Credit Union Pavilion in Moraga, California. The game, set to tip off at 10:30 PM ET, will be broadcast
live on ESPN. Saint Mary's, with a record of 26-4 and 15-2 in conference play, aims to avenge their earlier loss to Gonzaga and secure a share of the WCC title. Gonzaga, ranked No. 9 nationally with a 28-2 record, seeks to clinch the outright regular-season title. The outcome of this game will also impact the seeding for the upcoming WCC Tournament in Las Vegas.
Why It's Important?
This game is significant for both teams as it affects their standings and seeding in the NCAA Tournament. For Saint Mary's, a victory would not only secure a share of the WCC title but also improve their NCAA Tournament seeding, potentially moving them from a No. 8 to a No. 7 seed. For Gonzaga, winning the outright WCC title would strengthen their case for a higher seed in the NCAA Tournament, possibly elevating them from a No. 3 to a No. 2 seed. The game also serves as a critical test for both teams as they prepare for the postseason, with Gonzaga looking to maintain their national prominence and Saint Mary's aiming to solidify their tournament credentials.
What's Next?
Following this game, both teams will participate in the WCC Tournament in Las Vegas. The tournament results could further influence their NCAA Tournament seeding and national rankings. Gonzaga, having secured the No. 1 seed, will look to continue their strong performance, while Saint Mary's will aim to capitalize on any opportunities to enhance their postseason prospects. The game also marks the end of a significant chapter in the rivalry between these two teams, as Gonzaga prepares to transition to the Pac-12.
