Predicting the 2022 West Coast Conference Basketball Tournament
Second Semifinal
Game 8: 8:30 PM PST – Winner Game 6 (#3 Santa Clara) vs. #2 St. Mary’s (24–6, 12–3) – ESPN2.
This is St. Mary’s first game since ending Gonzaga’s WCC winning streak. The Gaels have to be on a huge high. This time out, it’s St. Mary’s, whose streak comes to an end. Santa Clara pulls the upset (not that the Broncos are big underdogs).
The teams split their two matchups this season, each with a home-court victory. On the neutral court, Santa Clara nails three-pointers at a better clip than St. Mary’s can defend against them. The Broncos can stake their claim to an NCAA Tournament bid with two more wins. This is the first. Santa Clara advances.
Finals – March 8, 2022
Game 9: 6:00 PM PST – Winner Game 7 (#1 Gonzaga) vs. Winner Game 8 (#3 Santa Clara) – ESPN.
The mission continues. Santa Clara knocked off Gonzaga’s Achillie’s Heel in the Semis. The Zags should probably thank them, but they just don’t lose to Santa Clara. Gonzaga won this season’s two-game series by an average of 22 points. GU’s victory will be their 9th West Coast Conference Tournament win in 10 years.
On an individual basis, there are a few Gonzaga players who need to state their respective cases for the NBA Draft. Big games like this show the scouts what a player can do in high-pressure situations. Drew Timme, Chet Holmgren, and Andrew Nembhard will bring their best.
How do you think the WCC Tournament plays out. Let us know in the comments section below.