Saint Mary’s Clinches Third Consecutive West Coast Conference Title

Saint Mary’s College continued its dominance in the West Coast Conference (WCC), securing its third consecutive tournament championship with a decisive win over longtime rival Gonzaga. The Gaels controlled the game from start to finish, executing a game plan that emphasized defensive intensity and efficient scoring.

Gonzaga entered the game looking to reclaim its position as the conference’s top team after years of dominance, but Saint Mary’s had other plans. From the opening tip, the Gaels’ defensive pressure disrupted Gonzaga’s offensive flow, forcing turnovers and limiting their ability to get clean looks at the basket.

On the offensive end, Saint Mary’s relied on its balanced scoring attack. Senior guard Aidan Mahaney led the team with 22 points, knocking down key three-pointers that kept the Bulldogs at bay. The Gaels also dominated the rebounding battle, creating second-chance opportunities that allowed them to maintain control throughout the game.

As the final minutes ticked down, the Saint Mary’s bench erupted in celebration, knowing they had once again secured the WCC title. The victory not only adds to their growing reputation as one of the premier mid-major programs in the country but also guarantees them an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

“This team has worked all year for this moment,” said head coach Randy Bennett. “Winning one championship is tough, but three in a row speaks to the character and discipline of these players. We’re not done yet—we want to make a deep run in the tournament.”

With Selection Sunday approaching, Saint Mary’s will await its seeding for March Madness. After proving they can compete with top-tier teams throughout the season, the Gaels are eager to make a statement on the national stage.