WCC Basketball: 2024 conference tournament preview and predictions

Semifinals

#1 Saint Mary’s vs. #4 Santa Clara (March 11, 9:00pm)

There’s a lot to like about what Santa Clara has done this season, and they did play Saint Mary’s close just over a month ago in Moraga. However, we’re not expecting to see the Gaels get upset in the semifinals, even after last week’s toughie against Gonzaga. Expect enough to get the Gaels back to the WCC title game, and a great effort Marciulionis.

Saint Mary’s wins

#2 Gonzaga vs. #3 San Francisco (March 11, 11:30pm)

Gonzaga has been playing inspired basketball over the last month, including an 18-point win at San Francisco just a week ago. The Dons certainly have the pieces to challenge the Bulldogs, but looked overwhelmed last week in a pair of losses and won’t keep up with a hot Gonzaga team this time either.

Gonzaga wins

Finals

#1 Saint Mary’s vs. #2 Gonzaga (March 12, 9:00pm)

As we’ve said several times, it would be a significant surprise if either Saint Mary’s or Gonzaga were upset in the WCC. These two have been several steps ahead of the rest of the league for basically the entire season and have been exceptionally ruthless in recent weeks. Two classic matchups almost deserved a third after the home team lost in each of their first meetings.

Gonzaga recently broke the Gaels’ 16-game winning streak but looked pretty strong doing that. It’s hard to bet against Ike, Anton Watson, Ryan Nembhard and the rest of this talented Gonzaga roster. Ike will be looking to show out after falling short of Player of the Year, though this matchup could go either way. Both teams are lethal and both teams will dance; we’re just leaning towards a second Gonzaga win in March over the Gaels.

Gonzaga wins the WCC Tournament