Can Saint Mary’s find a way to beat Gonzaga for the season sweep?

West Coast Conference powers Gonzaga & Saint Mary’s collide in Spokane with a potential regular season title on the line.

TV Schedule: Saturday, February 25, 10 PM EST, ESPN

Arena: McCarthey Athletic Center in Spokane, Washington

Top 15 teams square off on Saturday night in a matchup that acts as a de-facto regular season West Coast Conference Championship Game. #15 Saint Mary’s (25-5 overall, 14-1 WCC) travels to #12 Gonzaga (24-5 overall, 13-2 WCC) in their second, and final, meeting of the regular season.

It’s a typical Randy Bennett-coached Saint Mary’s team, spearheaded by a balanced and well-rounded backcourt. Aidan Mahaney has been one of the best freshmen in the nation, a 6’3″ combo guard who has put up strong numbers across the board. Not only is he the team’s leading scorer, he shoots over 41% from three-point territory and 45% from the field. Alongside him is senior Logan Johnson, who has generally taken on more of a supporting role but has turned it up a notch as of late. He’s had outbursts of 27, 34, and 31 points in three of his last four contests. Add in Alex Ducas and Augsutas Marciulionis, and the Gaels can overwhelm opponents with their guard play.

The main focus for Saint Mary’s on the other end of the court will be finding a way to contain Drew Timme, who remains the WCC Player of the Year favorite. The crafty senior has been a constant all season for the ‘Zags, posting averages of 21.3 PPG, 7.3 RPG, and 3.3 APG. He’s fresh off a dominant showing in the win over Pepperdine, where he dropped 34 points, but the Gaels did a decent job containing him in their last meeting. Although Timme still managed to put up 23 points, Saint Mary’s forced him into uncharacteristic mistakes, leading to four turnovers.

Timme should still show up, but it’s anybody’s guess what Gonzaga will get from their guards on a given night. It’s a talented, experienced group, but consistency has been a problem. Rasir Bolton and Julian Strawther can overwhelm foes when they’re on, but both have struggled in each of Gonzaga’s five losses. Strawther in particular has suffered brutal cold shooting stretches, including a 1-8 performance against Loyola-Marymont and 3-14 versus Baylor. The first several minutes will determine what type of night it will be for him; he’ll have to reign it in if Gonzaga is to come out on top.

This game is really a contrast of opposing styles. Gonzaga is looking to play as fast as possible and get as many opportunities for their offense as possible, a group that leads the nation with 87.5 points per game. Saint Mary’s is looking to slow it down and “muck it up” with a stifling defense that allows less than 59 points per game. They do so by limiting fouls and holding opponents to just above 30% from three.

After winning the earlier game between the two in an overtime thriller, Saint Mary’s has a chance to not only sweep the ‘Zags, but claim their first outright conference title since 2012. Furthermore, it could help them ascend the seed line, as they’re currently projected as a 4-5 in most brackets.

It’s been a special season for the Gaels, no matter what happens this Saturday. Yet, it’s hard to imagine any team being able to go into “The Kennel” and sweep Gonzaga. Mark Few’s team is as good as anybody in the nation at adjustments, and they’ve had this one circled on the calendar for awhile. As long as they can limit turnovers, I like the chances of Timme and company overpowering Saint Mary’s down low.

Prediction: Gonzaga, 74 Saint Mary’s, 68