What's Happening?
The Gonzaga Bulldogs are set to face the Saint Mary's Gaels in their final regular-season game on Saturday, February 28, at University Credit Union Pavilion in Moraga, California. The game, scheduled for 7:30 PM PT on ESPN, will determine the outright
winner of the West Coast Conference (WCC) regular-season title. Gonzaga, with a record of 28-2 and 16-1 in conference play, has already secured a share of the title and the No. 1 seed in the WCC Tournament. A win against Saint Mary's would give them the outright title. Saint Mary's, currently 26-4 and 15-2, can force a tie in the standings with a victory. The game is also significant as it marks the last regular-season meeting between these two rivals before Gonzaga's move to the Pac-12.
Why It's Important?
This matchup is crucial for both teams' postseason aspirations. For Gonzaga, winning the outright WCC title would bolster their NCAA Tournament resume, potentially improving their seed from a No. 3 to a No. 2. This could provide a more favorable path in the tournament. For Saint Mary's, a win would enhance their NCAA Tournament seeding prospects, moving them from a projected No. 8 seed to a more advantageous No. 7. The game also carries historical significance as it concludes a long-standing rivalry in the WCC, adding emotional weight to the contest.
What's Next?
After this game, both teams will head to the WCC Tournament in Las Vegas. Gonzaga, as the No. 1 seed, will aim to continue their dominance, while Saint Mary's will look to capitalize on any opportunities to improve their NCAA Tournament seeding. The outcome of the tournament could further influence their national rankings and postseason paths. Additionally, individual performances in this game could impact awards and recognitions within the conference.
