WCC Basketball: 2021 Conference Tournament preview and predictions

PORTLAND, OREGON - JANUARY 09: Anton Watson #22, Drew Timme #2, Joel Ayayi #11, Jalen Suggs #1, Corey Kispert #24 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs walk back to the court after a timeout during the first half against the Portland Pilots at Chiles Center on January 09, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images) /

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WCC Basketball Gonzaga Bulldogs Jeffrey Swinger-USA TODAY Sports /

First Round

(8) San Francisco vs San Diego (9)

Under 2nd-year coach Todd Golden the San Francisco Dons have had a bit of a down year. They are facing the San Diego Toreros who haven’t gotten a rhythm this year because of all the COVID-19 pauses. Jamaree Bouyea and Khalil Shabazz are All WCC players and should be enough for the Dons to win

Prediction: San Francisco

(7) Santa Clara vs Portland (10)

Santa Clara just like Stanford was not able to play on their home court for 60 days and had to sleep in hotels faces Portland who’s struggled all year. The Pilots coach Terry Porter was fired earlier this season and the Pilots have won one conference game in the last three seasons.

Prediction: Santa Clara

Second Round

(5) LMU vs San Francisco (8)

LMU has had a great first season under new coach Stan Johnson. The Lions are ranked 103 in Kenpom and were 3rd in the WCC before the adjusted standings took place. It will be a close one but the Lions should have enough to get by the dons.

Prediction: LMU

(6) Pacific vs Santa Clara (7)

It’s gonna be a pretty close game, both teams are tough and physical but I think Santa Clara is the more talented team and will win in a close one.

Prediction: Santa Clara