WCC Showdown: Saint Mary's Vs Gonzaga - College Basketball Championship: A Battle for the Ages

The world of college basketball is abuzz with excitement as the West Coast Conference (WCC) is set to stage a thrilling showdown between two perennial powerhouses, Saint Mary's and Gonzaga. The stage is set for a championship that promises to be a closely contested and emotionally charged battle, with both teams vying for the top spot in the WCC and a chance to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the history between these two teams, their current strengths and weaknesses, and what makes this matchup so special.

The Saint Mary's Gaels and Gonzaga Bulldogs have a long and storied history, with their first meeting dating back to 1908. Since then, the two teams have faced each other 153 times, with Gonzaga leading the series 83-70. However, in recent years, Saint Mary's has been the team to beat, with back-to-back WCC championships in 2015 and 2016. Gonzaga, meanwhile, has been on a tear, winning 11 of its last 12 games and earning a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

A Look at the Teams

Saint Mary's Gaels

• Strengths:
  • Elite defense: Saint Mary's has one of the best defensive teams in the country, led by senior guard Jordan Fowler.
  • Efficient offense: The Gaels have a potent offense that averages 75.4 points per game, led by freshman forward Patrick Clayton.
  • Depth: Saint Mary's has a deep bench that can provide a spark off the bench.
• Weaknesses:
  • Lack of size: The Gaels are undersized, with only one player standing over 6 feet 5 inches tall.
  • Turnover prone: Saint Mary's has a tendency to turn the ball over, which can lead to scoring opportunities for the opposing team.

Gonzaga Bulldogs

• Strengths:
  • High-powered offense: Gonzaga has one of the most prolific offenses in the country, averaging 82.4 points per game.
  • Elite rebounding: The Bulldogs have a strong rebounding core that can dominate the glass.
  • Experience: Gonzaga has a wealth of experience, with a senior class that has been together for four years.
• Weaknesses:
  • Defensive struggles: Gonzaga has struggled defensively, particularly in the paint, where they allow 33.8 points per game.
  • Turnover prone: Like Saint Mary's, the Bulldogs have a tendency to turn the ball over, which can lead to scoring opportunities for the opposing team.

A History of Rivalry

The Saint Mary's and Gonzaga rivalry dates back to 1908, and the two teams have been playing each other ever since. Over the years, the series has been marked by close games, comebacks, and buzzer-beaters. However, Gonzaga has a slight edge in the series, thanks to its more recent success.

Close Calls

• 2014: Gonzaga won 76-68 in a close game at home.
• 2015: Saint Mary's came back from a 12-point deficit to win 83-75 in overtime.
• 2016: Gonzaga won 79-69 in a game that was marked by controversy, including a disputed call in the final seconds.

What Makes This Matchup Special

• History: This is a matchup between two teams with a rich history of competition.
• Rivalry: The Saint Mary's and Gonzaga rivalry is one of the fiercest in college basketball, with a lot of history and emotions on the line.
• Championship implications: A win for either team could have significant implications for their chances in the NCAA Tournament.

Key Statistics

• Points per game: Saint Mary's (75.4), Gonzaga (82.4)
• Rebounding margin: Gonzaga (10.3), Saint Mary's (3.4)
• Turnovers per game: Saint Mary's (12.5), Gonzaga (10.3)

Injuries and Suspensions

• Saint Mary's: Freshman forward Patrick Clayton has been dealing with a ankle injury, but is expected to play.
• Gonzaga: Senior guard Brandon Clarke has been suspended for one game due to a disciplinary issue.

Coaches' Corner

• Marty Murphy: Saint Mary's head coach Marty Murphy has been coaching the Gaels for 18 years and has a 264-159 record.
• Mark Few: Gonzaga head coach Mark Few has been coaching the Bulldogs for 22 years and has a 481-137 record.

Game Predictions

• Final score: Gonzaga 75, Saint Mary's 68
• MVP: Brandon Clarke, Gonzaga
• Quote of the game: "This is a game we need to win, but we're not going to let our emotions get the best of us." - Marty Murphy, Saint Mary's