WCC Basketball: Gonzaga heavy favorite, BYU a contender in 2019 tournament
Tournament Predictions – Opening Three Rounds
First Round
(8) Pepperdine vs. (9) Pacific
Both Pacific and Pepperdine lost six of their last eight games to close out the regular season. The only difference for these two teams in this rough statistic? Both of Pacific’s wins during that stretch came against the Waves. While Pepperdine is averaging 8.7 ppg more than Pacific, the Tigers have clearly had the Waves’ number, and they will finish the season sweep.
Prediction: Pacific
(7) San Diego vs. (10) Portland
Not a season to remember at all for Pilots. As one of just four teams to be winless in conference play this season across division one, Portland has not won a game since late December. On the other hand, San Diego falling to seventh in conference may be quite a surprise considering the talent this team has. With first-team WCC forward Isaiah Pineiro leading the Toreros, they should have little trouble getting past Portland.
Prediction: San Diego
Second Round
(5) Loyola Marymount vs. (9) Pacific
Loyola Marymount has significantly improved in recent years, as they reached .500 in conference for the first time this season since 2011-12. While the Lions average just 67.6 ppg, their 62.8 ppg allowed ranks No. 14 in the nation. With two wins over the Tigers this season, including an 18-point victory where Pacific scored just 42 points, the Lions should advance to the next round with ease.
Prediction: Loyola Marymount
(6) Santa Clara vs. (7) San Diego
These two teams met only once during conference play, in each’s season opener, with the Broncos claiming the victory 68-56. In this matchup, Santa Clara’s Tahj Eaddy dropped a career-high 30 points, doubling his season average. On the other hand, Pineiro recorded just 12 points on 5-12 shooting. In the second meeting, I expect the latter to score much closer to his season average and lead the Toreros to a minor upset.
Prediction: San Diego
Third Round
(4) San Francisco vs. (5) Loyola Marymount
The Dons against the Lions is another matchup that occurred only once during the regular season. However, this will be fresh in the minds of both teams, as LMU topped USF 74-69 Saturday night. The Lions held the Dons to just 41.3%, well below their season average of 46.8%. Frankie Ferrari, a First Team All WCC player, scored only 13 points while shooting 41.6%. The senior will certainly look to avenge his senior night loss and lead the Dons to the semifinals.
Prediction: San Francisco
(3) BYU vs. (7) San Diego
BYU is grounded by two star athletes in Yoeli Childs, First Team WCC, and TJ Haws, Second Team WCC. Childs leads the conference in points and rebounds per game with 21.5 and 9.8, respectively. As for Haws, the junior is No. 4 in the conference in assists per game. On Saturday, Childs scored 29 points, while Pineiro recorded just 10. The Cougars’ 51.1% from field goal was a motivating factor in their 14-point victory, which I expect again this Saturday.