Gonzaga Dominates Saint Mary’s to Secure WCC Championship and NCAA Berth
What a night for Gonzaga! The Bulldogs came into the West Coast Conference (WCC) Championship game with something to prove, and they delivered in spectacular fashion. Facing off against No. 19 Saint Mary’s, Gonzaga showed resilience, control, and a championship mindset, taking down the Gaels 58-51 to claim the WCC title in Las Vegas.
With this win, Gonzaga officially locks in its 26th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance, a testament to the program's consistency and excellence. Braden Huff led the charge for the Bulldogs with an impressive 18-point performance, while Khalif Battle chipped in with 14 points and an incredible five steals. The victory not only earns Gonzaga an automatic NCAA Tournament bid but also reasserts their dominance in the conference.
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Gonzaga’s defense was the real star of the show, suffocating Saint Mary’s offense all night long. The Gaels, a team known for their shooting efficiency, struggled mightily from beyond the arc—going an astonishing 0-for-16 from three-point range. The teams combined for a dismal 1-for-31 from deep, with Huff hitting the only three-pointer of the game for the Bulldogs. Despite being outrebounded 43-28, Gonzaga made up for it with hustle and composure, forcing 18 Saint Mary’s turnovers while committing just four of their own.
The game started with Gonzaga coming out red hot, building an early 18-5 lead within the first six minutes. Saint Mary’s clawed their way back, tying things up early in the second half after a powerful dunk by Mitchell Saxen. But every time the Gaels got close, Gonzaga had an answer. Huff and Battle spearheaded key scoring runs, and Ryan Nembhard’s clutch layup with just under a minute left all but sealed the win. A highlight-reel dunk by Battle moments later put an exclamation point on the Bulldogs’ championship triumph.
For Saint Mary’s, Saxen put up a valiant 20-point effort with seven rebounds, while Augustas Marciulionis contributed 12 points and eight assists. But in the end, their offensive struggles and costly mistakes proved too much to overcome.
With the conference title in hand, Gonzaga now shifts its focus to the NCAA Tournament. The Bulldogs are peaking at the right time, and if this performance is any indication, they’re going to be a tough out in March Madness. For now, though, they’ll savor another WCC crown—because this one was hard-earned.
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