What's Happening?
In a significant college basketball matchup, the Saint Mary's Gaels defeated the No. 9 Gonzaga Bulldogs 70-59, securing a share of the West Coast Conference (WCC) regular-season title. The game, held at the University Credit Union Pavilion in Moraga,
California, saw Mikey Lewis lead the Gaels with 31 points, including seven 3-pointers. This victory marks the Gaels' seventh consecutive win and their 26th straight home victory. The Gaels, with a record of 27-4 overall and 16-2 in the WCC, have now won at least a share of the conference title for the fourth consecutive year. Gonzaga, despite the loss, had already secured the top seed for the upcoming conference tournament. The game was the final regular-season meeting between these long-time rivals before Gonzaga's move to the Pac-12 next season.
Why It's Important?
This victory is crucial for Saint Mary's as it not only secures a share of the WCC title but also boosts their momentum heading into the conference tournament. The win underscores the Gaels' dominance in the WCC, a conference they have consistently excelled in alongside Gonzaga. For Gonzaga, the loss is a setback, but their top seed status in the tournament remains intact. The game also highlights the competitive nature of the WCC and sets the stage for an exciting conference tournament. The outcome could influence NCAA tournament seeding, impacting both teams' paths in the postseason.
What's Next?
Both teams will now prepare for the WCC tournament, where Gonzaga, as the top seed, and Saint Mary's, as the second seed, will receive byes into the semifinals. The tournament will be a critical opportunity for both teams to solidify their standings and improve their seeding for the NCAA tournament. Gonzaga's upcoming move to the Pac-12 adds an additional layer of significance to their performance in this tournament, as it marks the end of an era in the WCC.
