BYU needs to win this game to keep the team’s NCAA Tournament hopes alive. Saint Mary’s needs to win to pretty do the same thing. With the stakes incredibly high, who wins this semifinals matchup?
TV schedule: Monday, March 5, 11:30 p.m. ET. ESPN2
Arena: Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada
When BYU arrived in the WCC now seven seasons ago, the goal was to overtake Gonzaga for the WCC crown. But not only have they been nowhere near close in doing so, but not perception wise, the Cougars are in third, behind Saint Mary’s.
The Gaels have won five straight games in the series, including sweeping the regular season. But there’s a stark difference in last year’s blowouts, and the tight games these programs have played in this season. That gives hope for a BYU team that’s yet to beat either of the top two teams in the WCC.
But on Saturday, both teams were fighting for their lives in the conference tournament quarterfinals. BYU squandered a 16 point lead in the second half to San Diego before holding on to win. Then in the last game of the night, Saint Mary’s was down 16 themselves to start the game against an inspired Pepperdine squad, and needing all 40 minutes to come back to win.
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The stars of each team led the way, with Jock Landale having 17 points and a career-high 19 rebounds for the Gaels, while Yoeli Childs (22 points) and Elijah Bryant (27 points) paced the Cougars.
There’s a lot on the line for both teams in this one. With a loss, BYU will miss the program’s third straight NCAA Tournament, which can be a recruiting killer. It also would continue a streak of futility against the Zags and the Gaels in this tournament. Thus far, Dave Rose and company have yet to win versus either team in Vegas.
For Saint Mary’s they need to make sure they’re on the right side of the bubble. Their resume is very thin outside of Gonzaga, and a loss to a team not named the Zags in this event could have them joining BYU in the NIT.
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Almost one exactly one year ago, BYU was humiliated in the semifinals to this Saint Mary’s team, and will be motivated to avenge that disaster. But it won’t be enough, as the Gaels highly efficient offense will be too much once again for the Cougars.
Prediction: Saint Mary’s 76 – BYU 70