Gonzaga-Saint Mary's Rivalry Ends on ESPN

Longtime West Coast Conference foes play final regular season matchup on national TV

Mar. 3, 2026 at 2:07am

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ESPN broadcaster Sean Farnham traveled from California to Spokane last month, not just for his usual work duties, but also to raise money for cancer research in the city. The next night, Farnham returned to his regular job of calling college basketball games, including the final regular season matchup between longtime West Coast Conference rivals Gonzaga and Saint Mary's.

Why it matters

The Gonzaga-Saint Mary's rivalry has been one of the most intense in college basketball for years, with the two programs battling for WCC supremacy. This will be the last time the teams face off in the regular season, as Saint Mary's is leaving the conference, making this a historic and emotional final chapter in the rivalry.

The details

Farnham, who has covered the Gonzaga-Saint Mary's rivalry for ESPN over the years, noted that the intensity of this matchup will be on full display again for the national audience tuning in. The two teams have dominated the WCC for the past decade, creating a must-see event whenever they meet on the court.

  • A month ago, Farnham traveled from California to Spokane to raise money for cancer research.
  • The next night, Farnham called the Gonzaga-Saint Mary's game for ESPN.

The players

Sean Farnham

An ESPN broadcaster who has covered the Gonzaga-Saint Mary's rivalry over the years.

Gonzaga

A college basketball program that has been one of the dominant teams in the West Coast Conference alongside Saint Mary's.

Saint Mary's

A college basketball program that has been one of the dominant teams in the West Coast Conference alongside Gonzaga, but is now leaving the conference.

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What they’re saying

“the intensity of this rivalry is on full display again tonight.”

— Sean Farnham, ESPN Broadcaster

The takeaway

The final regular season matchup between Gonzaga and Saint Mary's on ESPN marks the end of an era for one of college basketball's most intense rivalries, as the Gaels depart the West Coast Conference. Fans will be tuning in to see the two powerhouse programs battle it out one last time in the regular season.