Full Breakdown
Gonzaga and Saint Mary's: A Rivalry in Transition
2/28/2026, 12:25:24 PM
Overview of the Gonzaga-Saint Mary's Rivalry
As the Gonzaga Bulldogs prepare to transition from the West Coast Conference (WCC) to the Pac-12 for the 2026-27 season, the rivalry with the Saint Mary's Gaels stands as a significant chapter in college basketball history. Over the past 25 years, both programs have evolved into national contenders, with Gonzaga achieving remarkable success under head coach Mark Few and Saint Mary's emerging as a formidable rival under Randy Bennett.
Historical Context and Development
The rivalry intensified when Saint Mary's began stringing together successful seasons from 2008 to 2013, achieving six consecutive seasons with over 25 wins. During this period, the Gaels secured two regular-season titles and made four NCAA Tournament appearances, often challenging Gonzaga for supremacy in the WCC. Few's Bulldogs have dominated the head-to-head matchups, holding a 59-17 record against Saint Mary's, yet the teams have split their last ten encounters, indicating a competitive balance in recent years.
Key Figures in the Rivalry
Mark Few and Randy Bennett, both 63 years old, have been instrumental in shaping their respective programs. Few has led Gonzaga to 23 conference championships in 27 seasons, while Bennett has transformed Saint Mary's into a consistent NCAA Tournament participant. Their coaching styles differ, yet both emphasize player development and a strong defensive foundation. Few noted, “There’s always been tons of mutual respect between us, for our programs and our staffs.”
Impact on the WCC and Beyond
The rivalry has not only elevated both programs but has also contributed to the overall competitiveness of the WCC. The presence of a strong Saint Mary's team has pushed Gonzaga to maintain its high standards, as acknowledged by Bennett, who stated, “They had a tremendous amount to do with us chasing them and that made us better.” This competitive dynamic has led to the WCC being recognized as a multi-bid league in 13 of the last 17 NCAA Tournaments.
Future of the Rivalry
With Gonzaga's impending departure to the Pac-12, the future of the rivalry remains uncertain. While there has been speculation about Saint Mary's potential inclusion in the Pac-12, no future matchups are scheduled after their final regular-season game this Saturday. ESPN analyst Sean Farnham expressed hope for the continuation of the rivalry, emphasizing the importance of maintaining home-and-home games to preserve the unique atmospheres of both schools.
Official Statements & Responses
Few has consistently advocated for the growth of the WCC, with Bennett being the only coach to fully embrace the challenge. Few remarked, “A lot of it was Mark for years was asking every (WCC) school to step up and challenge and Randy was the only one that stepped up and said, ‘I’m in.’” This collaboration has benefited both teams, particularly in enhancing their NCAA Tournament seeding prospects.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Mark is probably the only person that believed you could do this,” — Sean Farnham, ESPN Analyst
- “They had a tremendous amount to do with us chasing them and that made us better,” — Randy Bennett, Head Coach, Saint Mary's
- “There’s always been tons of mutual respect between us, for our programs and our staffs.” — Mark Few, Head Coach, Gonzaga
- “I think it should go on, I think it needs to go on,” — Sean Farnham, ESPN Analyst
As Gonzaga and Saint Mary's prepare for their final WCC showdown, the legacy of their rivalry will continue to resonate in college basketball, marking a significant transition for both programs.
