Gonzaga Coach Believes Santa Clara Deserves NCAA Tournament Bid

Mark Few says Santa Clara has the talent to make a deep run in the Big Dance

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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After Gonzaga defeated Santa Clara 79-68 to win the West Coast Conference tournament title, Bulldogs coach Mark Few believes the Broncos have done enough to earn an NCAA Tournament bid. Few praised Santa Clara's talent and said he thinks they can win multiple games in the Big Dance.

Why it matters

The WCC normally receives three bids to the NCAA Tournament, and Few's endorsement of Santa Clara could help sway the selection committee to include them in the field of 68 teams. This would be a major accomplishment for the Broncos program.

The details

Gonzaga, the No. 1 team in the WCC, finished the regular season 30-3 overall and 16-2 in conference play. Santa Clara had a strong 26-8 record, including 15-3 in WCC games. In the tournament final, Gonzaga was led by Mario Saint-Supery's 21 points, while Tyon Grant-Foster added 20 points off the bench for the Bulldogs. After the game, Few praised Santa Clara's talent and said he believes they can win multiple NCAA Tournament games.

  • Gonzaga defeated Santa Clara 79-68 on March 11, 2026 to win the WCC tournament title.
  • The NCAA Tournament selection show is on Sunday, March 16, 2026.

The players

Mark Few

The head coach of the Gonzaga Bulldogs men's basketball team, who has led the program to 25 NCAA Tournament appearances.

Herb Sendek

The head coach of the Santa Clara Broncos men's basketball team.

Mario Saint-Supery

A Gonzaga player who scored 21 points in the WCC tournament final.

Tyon Grant-Foster

A Gonzaga player who scored 20 points off the bench in the WCC tournament final.

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What they’re saying

“I think it'll be great news. I think (Santa Clara) is an NCAA Tournament team. I told (coach) Herb (Sendek) that after the game. They can win a game, maybe several (in the NCAA Tournament).”

— Mark Few, Head Coach, Gonzaga Bulldogs (X)

What’s next

The NCAA Tournament selection show is on Sunday, March 16, 2026, where it will be determined if Santa Clara receives an at-large bid to the Big Dance.

The takeaway

Mark Few's endorsement of Santa Clara's NCAA Tournament-worthy resume could help sway the selection committee to include the Broncos in the field of 68 teams. This would be a major accomplishment for the Santa Clara program and provide them with an opportunity to make a surprising run in the NCAA Tournament.