Gonzaga Caps WCC Era with Title, Eyes First National Championship

Gonzaga completed a perfect exit from the West Coast Conference on Tuesday, capturing the WCC Tournament title with a 79-68 victory over Santa Clara. The win marked the Bulldogs’ 23rd conference championship and guarantees them a spot in the NCAA Tournament, capping a historic chapter as the program prepares to join the Pac-12 next season.

The Bulldogs, seeded No. 1, showcased their depth and versatility throughout the game, combining perimeter shooting with strong interior play to control the tempo. Gonzaga’s performance reflected a team fully in command of the conference, maintaining dominance from start to finish.

Coach Mark Few, who will make his 25th NCAA Tournament appearance, praised Santa Clara despite the loss, predicting the Broncos could also secure a spot in the national field. “I think it’ll be great news. They can win a game, maybe several,” Few said, highlighting the respect Gonzaga has for its conference rivals.

The WCC traditionally earns three bids to the NCAA Tournament, and both teams’ strong records—Gonzaga at 30-3 overall and Santa Clara at 26-8—position them favorably for March Madness consideration. With the Bulldogs’ focus already shifting toward the national stage, Few emphasized the importance of handling each step along the way to the ultimate prize.

1. Key Performances Drive Victory

Gonzaga’s championship run was fueled by balanced scoring and timely shooting, with Mario Saint-Supery emerging as the standout performer in the title game. He finished with 21 points, hitting six three-pointers, while also contributing five rebounds and four assists. His shooting helped Gonzaga establish early momentum and keep Santa Clara from mounting a comeback. Tyon Grant-Foster provided crucial support off the bench, tallying 20 points on 7-of-11 shooting and adding seven rebounds. His performance reinforced Gonzaga’s depth and ability to sustain offensive production even when starters rested. Defensively, the Bulldogs limited Santa Clara’s options in key moments, forcing turnovers and contesting shots inside and outside the paint. This mix of pressure defense and fast-paced offense allowed Gonzaga to maintain control for most of the game, particularly in the second half when the lead expanded. The game also highlighted Gonzaga’s resilience and strategic execution, traits that have defined the program under Few. By combining veteran leadership with athletic depth, the Bulldogs continue to demonstrate why they have dominated the WCC for more than two decades.

2. Historical Context and NCAA Implications

Tuesday’s victory represents a historic farewell to the WCC for Gonzaga, a conference in which the program has established itself as a perennial powerhouse. The Bulldogs leave with 23 conference titles, including the most recent string of consecutive championships, underscoring their sustained excellence. Santa Clara, meanwhile, finished the season with a 26-8 overall record and 15-3 in conference play, giving the Broncos a strong case for an NCAA Tournament selection. Few’s comments reflect the competitiveness of the WCC and the respect the Bulldogs have for their former rivals as both programs transition toward March Madness. Gonzaga now sets its sights on the NCAA Tournament, with Few emphasizing the importance of sequential goals. “The national championship’s going to be the standard that we’re aiming for. But we’ve always talked about taking care of business along the way,” he said, reinforcing the Bulldogs’ commitment to preparation and execution at every stage. As the program moves to the Pac-12 next season, the WCC exit serves as a reminder of Gonzaga’s dominance and resilience. The Bulldogs leave the conference on a high note while positioning themselves as a serious contender on the national stage for the first time in program history.

3. Outlook for March Madness

Gonzaga’s focus now shifts entirely to the NCAA Tournament, where the team aims to translate its conference success into a national title. With a 30-3 record and top-seed credentials, the Bulldogs are among the favorites to make a deep run. Key contributors like Saint-Supery and Grant-Foster provide the scoring balance and versatility needed to compete against elite competition. Coupled with Few’s experience and strategic approach, Gonzaga enters March as a well-prepared and disciplined squad. The Bulldogs’ combination of perimeter shooting, interior presence, and depth gives them multiple paths to success in the tournament. Maintaining defensive intensity while executing offensively will be crucial to advancing past each round in the NCAA field. Ultimately, Gonzaga’s WCC farewell victory is both a celebration of past dominance and a springboard toward national ambitions. The Bulldogs leave the conference with a legacy of excellence while gearing up for a March run that could yield the first national championship in program history.