Full Breakdown
Saint Mary's Clinches Share of WCC Title with Victory Over Gonzaga
3/1/2026, 8:26:42 PM
Thrilling Showdown in Moraga
On February 28, 2026, the Saint Mary's Gaels defeated the No. 9 Gonzaga Bulldogs 70-59 in a pivotal West Coast Conference (WCC) matchup, securing a share of the regular-season title. Mikey Lewis led the Gaels with a career-high 31 points, including seven three-pointers, as Saint Mary's rallied from a seven-point halftime deficit to dominate the second half. The victory marked the fourth consecutive year that the Gaels have either won or shared the WCC title, further solidifying their status as a powerhouse in the conference.
Game Overview
The game took place at the University Credit Union Pavilion in Moraga, California, and was broadcast nationally on ESPN. Gonzaga entered the contest with a 28-2 record and a chance to clinch the outright WCC title, while Saint Mary's, with a 26-4 record, aimed to tie for the championship. The first half saw Gonzaga leading 36-29, thanks to strong performances from Graham Ike, who scored 17 points before fouling out late in the game.
However, the second half was a different story. Saint Mary's opened with an 8-0 run and maintained momentum, outscoring Gonzaga 41-23 in the final 20 minutes. The Gaels' success was largely attributed to their exceptional three-point shooting, finishing 16 of 33 from beyond the arc (48.5%). Joshua Dent contributed 14 points, while Mantas Juzenas added 12 points, all from three-point range.
Key Performances
Mikey Lewis's performance was particularly notable, as he scored 21 of his points in the second half, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. His shooting was instrumental in breaking Gonzaga's defensive rhythm. "It feels amazing," Lewis said post-game, reflecting on the significance of the victory and the rivalry. "Winning four (titles) in a row is hard."
For Gonzaga, Graham Ike led the team with 17 points, but his foul trouble limited his impact in the closing stages. Adam Miller and Tyon Grant-Foster added 14 and 13 points, respectively, but the Bulldogs struggled with their perimeter defense, allowing Saint Mary's to capitalize on open looks.
Official Statements & Responses
Gonzaga head coach Mark Few acknowledged the stark contrast between his team's first and second-half performances, stating, "Our defense was really solid and really forceful in the first half; they were definitely the tougher team in the second half." He also noted the impact of injuries, particularly the absence of Jalen Warley, which affected their defensive strategy against Saint Mary's key players.
Saint Mary's head coach Randy Bennett expressed pride in his team's resilience, emphasizing the importance of the victory in the context of their ongoing rivalry with Gonzaga. "We won the conference championship," Bennett stated, highlighting the significance of the achievement.
What's Next
Both teams will advance to the WCC tournament, with Gonzaga securing the No. 1 seed and Saint Mary's the No. 2 seed. The Gaels' victory not only enhances their tournament seeding but also boosts their chances for a favorable position in the upcoming NCAA tournament. As the rivalry continues, both programs look forward to potential rematches in the postseason, underscoring the competitive spirit that has defined their encounters over the years.
