The WCC tournament has been a one to two horse race over the past decade or so. WCC powerhouses are none other than Gonzaga and St. Mary’s. Both teams have made multiple NCAA tournaments over the last decade. This year doesn’t seem any different to be honest. Both teams have dominated the conference all season long and I don’t think anybody besides them will win the conference tournament. Let’s dive into the WCC tournament.
The Betting Odds
Gonzaga -125
St. Mary’s +105
Santa Clara +3000
BYU +4000
Loyola Marymount +5000
San Francisco +8000
Portland +50000
Pepperdine +50000
San Diego +100000
Pacific +100000
The Bracket
Gonzaga Looking To Win Again?
The Bulldogs have won ten WCC conference tournament titles since 2010-2011. Gonzaga is ranked 2nd in the country in points per game (87.4). Their leading scorer and rebounder of course is none other than senior forward Drew Timme. Timme averages 21.2 points per game to go along with 7.5 rebounds per game. He is one of Gonzaga’s best players of all time and has been a dominant force since his sophomore campaign. The Bulldogs also have two key pieces that have been big time for them this season. Their best players are junior guard Julian Strawther (15.4 ppg and 6.3 rpg) and senior forward Anton Watson (11.2 ppg and 5.7 rpg). Without these two, Gonzaga wouldn’t be on the level that they are at right now. This isn’t Gonzaga’s best team, but they are still a good team in this conference. They are the favorites and won’t have to play until the semi-finals. Look for the Bulldogs to be back in the WCC finals yes again.
Can St.Mary’s Steal The WCC Conference Tournament Title?
The Gaels have one of the best defenses in the country. St Mary’s allows less than 60 points per game, which is a tremendous stat. Offensively, they average just under 72 points per game. The Gaels are led by senior guard Logan Johnson who averages 14.7 points per game. They also have three other guys that average double figures. Freshman guard Aidan Mahaney (14.6 points per game), senior guard Alex Ducas (12.3 points per game) and junior center Mitchell Saxen (11.8 points per game, 8 rebounds per game). St. Mary’s needs these four guys to play their best ball to win the WCC regular season title and the WCC Conference tournament title in the same season
The Don’s Pick
This was a rough decision to make. The play is Gonzaga -115. The Bulldogs are a tough team and they will beat St. Mary’s in their envitable rematch for the WCC conference title.
The Don’s Game By Game Predictions
First Round
8 Portland over 9 San Diego
10 Pepperdine over 7 Pacific
Second Round
8 Portland over 5 BYU
6 San Francisco over 10 Pepperdine
Quarterfinals
4 Loyola Marymount over 8 Portland
6 San Francisco over 3 Santa Clara
Semifinals
1 St. Mary’s over 4 Loyola Marymount
2 Gonzaga over 6 San Francisco
Finals
2 Gonzaga over 1 St. Mary’s
