Gonzaga Ends WCC Era With Another Title

Bulldogs defeat Santa Clara 79-68 to win 23rd conference tournament championship under Mark Few

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Gonzaga defeated Santa Clara 79-68 to win another West Coast Conference tournament championship, closing their WCC era with the same dominance that defined the past two decades under head coach Mark Few. The Bulldogs improved to 30-3 on the season and once again showed why they have been the league's standard for more than 20 years, winning their 23rd conference tournament title in program history.

Why it matters

Gonzaga's sustained excellence in the WCC has been one of the most remarkable runs in college basketball over the past two decades. The Bulldogs' ability to win conference titles year after year has elevated the national profile of the WCC and made Gonzaga one of the most consistent programs in the sport. As Gonzaga prepares to leave the WCC for the Pac-12 next season, this title marks the end of an era for one of college basketball's premier mid-major powers.

The details

Gonzaga's 79-68 victory over Santa Clara in the WCC tournament championship game continued the Bulldogs' dominance in the conference. Under head coach Mark Few, Gonzaga has won 21 WCC tournament titles and compiled a remarkable 56-6 record in the event. The Bulldogs have played in nearly every WCC championship game since the late 1990s, turning the conference tournament into an annual coronation. This season, guard Mario Saint-Supery led Gonzaga with 21 points, including six 3-pointers, while senior forward Graham Ike added 15 points on perfect 6-for-6 shooting.

  • Gonzaga defeated Santa Clara 79-68 on March 11, 2026 to win the WCC tournament championship.

The players

Mark Few

Gonzaga's head coach since 1999, Few has led the Bulldogs to 21 WCC tournament titles and turned the program into one of the most consistent winners in college basketball.

Mario Saint-Supery

Gonzaga's starting guard, Saint-Supery led the team with 21 points in the WCC tournament championship game, including six 3-pointers.

Graham Ike

Gonzaga's senior forward, Ike scored 15 points on perfect 6-for-6 shooting in the WCC tournament final.

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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

Gonzaga will leave the West Coast Conference and join the Pac-12 for the 2026-27 season, ending their two-decade run of dominance in the WCC.

The takeaway

Gonzaga's sustained excellence in the West Coast Conference over the past 20-plus years under Mark Few is one of the most remarkable runs in college basketball history. The Bulldogs' ability to win conference titles year after year has elevated the national profile of the WCC and made Gonzaga one of the sport's most consistent powers. As the Bulldogs depart for the Pac-12, this final WCC championship serves as a fitting capstone to an era of unparalleled success.