St. Mary’s Upsets Gonzaga in Final WCC Clash Before Bulldogs Move to Pac-12

In what will be the last meeting between the West Coast Conference rivals, the St. Mary’s Gaels pulled off a memorable upset over the Gonzaga Bulldogs on Saturday. The victory not only shook up the WCC standings but also closed a longstanding era of competition between head coaches Randy Bennett and Mark Few.

Bennett praised the performance of Gonzaga despite the loss, highlighting the resilience his team displayed against a Bulldogs squad that had been dominant all season. “It might have been one of the best coaching jobs he’s done,” Bennett said, reflecting on the way Few navigated the challenges of the game.

The upset was particularly impressive considering Gonzaga lost star guard Braden Huff early in the matchup. Even without their top scorer, the Bulldogs pushed hard, underscoring the depth and talent of the program that will now move to the Pac-12 next season.

For St. Mary’s, the win is a boost to their postseason outlook, strengthening their profile for an NCAA Tournament bid. The Gaels are projected as a No. 6 seed in the Midwest Regional, where they would face a tough matchup against Texas A&M.

1. Coaching Perspective

Randy Bennett emphasized the significance of his team’s performance against a talent-laden Gonzaga squad. Losing Huff could have derailed the Bulldogs, but St. Mary’s capitalized on the absence, maintaining focus and executing their game plan. Bennett noted that Gonzaga had only lost two games entering the contest, highlighting the magnitude of the victory. “They only lost two games coming into this,” he said, praising the challenge his team overcame. The Gaels’ preparation and adaptability were on display as they adjusted to the Bulldogs’ pace and defended key players effectively. Bennett also acknowledged Mark Few’s role, complimenting the coaching effort even in defeat. With the WCC rivalry ending, this matchup also symbolizes a closing chapter for Bennett and Few, two coaches who have defined the conference for nearly two decades. Both programs have benefited from the intense competition, producing consistent NCAA Tournament contenders.

2. Player Impact

St. Mary’s thrived on balanced scoring and team execution, exploiting the Bulldogs’ injury situation while maintaining defensive discipline. The absence of Braden Huff forced Gonzaga to rely on other contributors, which allowed the Gaels to dictate tempo and create opportunities. The Gaels’ roster displayed depth and poise in high-pressure moments, a factor that will be crucial as they head into postseason play. Players stepped up in key stretches, demonstrating leadership on both ends of the floor. This performance also sends a message to NCAA Tournament selection committees: St. Mary’s can compete with top-tier programs even in challenging circumstances. The ability to neutralize a star player like Huff is a testament to the team’s preparation and resilience. The win boosts confidence across the roster, signaling that the Gaels can handle adversity and compete at a high level against nationally ranked opponents.

3. Postseason Outlook

St. Mary’s is currently projected as a No. 6 seed in the Midwest Regional of the NCAA Tournament, where they would face Texas A&M. The Gaels’ victory over Gonzaga strengthens their seeding case and improves their resume for the selection committee. Even without a conference championship, St. Mary’s is positioned to secure an at-large bid, a reflection of their consistent performance throughout the season. Balanced scoring, strong defense, and poise in high-stakes matchups have elevated the team’s profile. The team will need to maintain focus and consistency in the final games leading into the tournament. Lessons learned from handling a top opponent without Huff will be invaluable as they face a variety of playing styles in March. Looking forward, the Gaels aim to carry the momentum from this historic upset into the postseason, proving that they can compete with elite programs on the national stage. Their preparation and confidence will be key as they aim for a deep tournament run.