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 Jalen Suggs Gonzaga Bulldogs BYU Cougars (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images) /

Quarterfinals

(5) LMU vs Saint Mary’s (4)

LMU looked awesome against Gonzaga and Johnson looks like he’s done a great job turning the LIons program around. But I think they will fall short against Saint Mary’s in a competitive game

Prediction: Saint Mary’s

(7) Santa Clara vs Pepperdine (3)

Santa Clara beat Pepperdine earlier in the year, Santa Clara wants to pound the ball inside where Pepperdine has struggled to guard teams. I think Ross will be too much and The Waves will win in a barn burner.

Prediction: Pepperdine

Semifinals

(1) Gonzaga vs Saint Mary’s (4)

Gonzaga has been great all year, they struggled in their first contest against Saint Mary’s and still won by 14 points. They played much better in the 2nd game but the Gaels were able to make the score closer than it was. Look for the Zags to win this one by about 20.

Prediction: Gonzaga

(2) BYU vs Pepperdine (3)

BYU is a locked NCAA tournament team that’s facing a Pepperdine team that they have split with. I think BYU will win the 3rd matchup by about 7.

Prediction: BYU

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Finals

(1) Gonzaga vs BYU (2)

They say it’s hard to beat a team 3 times but even though BYU is a talented team. I think the Cougars are a good matchup for the Zags and Gonzaga should win.

Prediction: Gonzaga 86, BYU 74