WCC Women's Tournament Preview: Can LMU Dethrone Gonzaga?

The Bulldogs look to win one last WCC title before departing for the Pac-12.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The West Coast Conference (WCC) women's basketball tournament is set to tip off, with Gonzaga looking to defend its title in what will be its final season in the league before departing for the Pac-12. However, LMU has emerged as a formidable challenger, winning nine straight games to close the regular season and overtake the Zags atop the standings. The tournament features several other contenders, including a high-powered Santa Clara offense and standout individual performers across the conference.

Why it matters

The WCC tournament represents the last chance for a team other than Gonzaga to claim the conference crown before the Bulldogs depart for the Pac-12. With Gonzaga's dynasty potentially coming to an end, this year's tournament could see a new power emerge in the WCC.

The details

Gonzaga has been the dominant force in the WCC for years, but LMU surged late in the regular season to overtake the Zags at the top of the standings. The Lions are led by a pair of top-10 scorers in Maya Hernandez and Jess Lawson. Meanwhile, Gonzaga is paced by the league's leading scorer, rebounder and field goal percentage leader in Lauren Whittaker. Santa Clara boasts the WCC's highest-scoring offense, while Kennedie Shuler of Portland State excels on both ends of the floor. Several other teams have standout individual talents, setting the stage for an exciting tournament.

  • The WCC women's basketball tournament is set to tip off on March 5, 2026.
  • Gonzaga is playing in its final WCC tournament before departing for the Pac-12 conference.

The players

Gonzaga

The dominant force in the WCC for years, Gonzaga is looking to win one last conference title before departing for the Pac-12.

LMU

The Lions surged late in the regular season, winning nine straight games to overtake Gonzaga atop the WCC standings.

Lauren Whittaker

The Gonzaga star leads the WCC in scoring, rebounding and field goal percentage.

Maya Hernandez

One of two LMU players ranked in the WCC's top 10 scorers.

Jess Lawson

The other LMU player ranked in the WCC's top 10 scorers.

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The takeaway

The 2026 WCC women's basketball tournament represents a pivotal moment, as Gonzaga's dominant reign in the conference could be coming to an end. With the Bulldogs departing for the Pac-12, the door is open for a new power to emerge, and LMU has positioned itself as a prime contender after a strong finish to the regular season. The tournament promises an exciting showdown between the conference's top teams and individual talents.