Gonzaga Seeks 12th WCC Title Against Upstart Santa Clara

Broncos look to pull off another upset and clinch NCAA Tournament bid

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Gonzaga Bulldogs will face the Santa Clara Broncos in the West Coast Conference championship game, with Gonzaga seeking its 12th WCC tournament crown in 14 years. Santa Clara pulled off an upset over Saint Mary's in the semifinals and is looking to clinch an automatic NCAA Tournament bid by defeating the heavily-favored Bulldogs.

Why it matters

This matchup features the perennial WCC powerhouse Gonzaga against an upstart Santa Clara team that has exceeded expectations this season. A Santa Clara win would be a major upset and would secure the Broncos' first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2014, while a Gonzaga victory would continue the Bulldogs' dominance in the conference.

The details

Gonzaga has beaten Santa Clara by at least 8 points in their two regular-season meetings, but the Broncos have been shooting the ball well from 3-point range in the WCC Tournament, connecting on 26 of 61 attempts. The Bulldogs have struggled from deep lately, ranking 329th in 3-point accuracy since February 1. Santa Clara's defense will provide a tougher test for Gonzaga compared to their previous opponent, Oregon State.

  • The WCC Championship game will take place on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
  • Gonzaga and Santa Clara faced off twice during the regular season.

The players

Gonzaga Bulldogs

A perennial powerhouse in the West Coast Conference, Gonzaga is seeking its 12th WCC tournament championship in 14 years.

Santa Clara Broncos

An upstart team that pulled off an upset over Saint Mary's in the WCC semifinals, looking to clinch their first NCAA Tournament berth since 2014.

Sash Gavalyugov

A guard for the Santa Clara Broncos who celebrated the team's upset win over Saint Mary's.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The winner of the Gonzaga vs. Santa Clara matchup will clinch an automatic bid to the 2026 NCAA Tournament.

The takeaway

This game features a classic clash between the WCC's perennial powerhouse and an upstart team looking to pull off a major upset and secure its first NCAA Tournament berth in nearly a decade. Santa Clara's hot shooting from 3-point range could keep them in the game, but Gonzaga's experience and talent will make them a tough out.