Gonzaga and Saint Mary’s Draw National Attention Ahead of Rivalry Showdown
As the regular season winds down, the Gonzaga Bulldogs and the Saint Mary’s Gaels are in the national spotlight before their highly anticipated showdown. Gonzaga’s upcoming game marks one of the final chances for fans to see this storied rivalry play out in the West Coast Conference.
Gonzaga’s Transition and Upcoming Matchup
Gonzaga will soon join the revamped Pac-12 Conference on July 1, alongside schools like Washington State and Oregon State. This shift signifies the end of their longstanding connection with the West Coast Conference.
This Saturday, Gonzaga will take on Saint Mary’s in Moraga. This game is particularly significant for Gonzaga, as it looks to secure the No. 1 seed in the WCC Tournament. A win against Portland on February 25 would cement their position, easing tension for the Saints showdown.
Key Statistics and Performance
- Gonzaga’s record: 27-2, 15-1 WCC
- Saint Mary’s record: 25-4, 14-2 WCC
- Previous matchup: Gonzaga defeated Saint Mary’s 73-65 on January 31
- Top performer: Graham Ike scored 30 points in the last meeting
Gonzaga aims to sweep Saint Mary’s this season, a feat they haven’t accomplished since the 2020-21 season. In turn, Saint Mary’s is motivated to upset Gonzaga in what may be their last contest in the WCC for the foreseeable future.
Future Prospects for the Rivalry
There have been discussions about the potential for Saint Mary’s to join Gonzaga in the Pac-12, though no immediate action is likely. The focus for Pac-12 leadership currently remains on strengthening football and navigating new media rights deals.
Even with the shift, both teams may arrange to continue their rivalry through non-conference games. This could include neutral site matchups, creating opportunities for fans to experience this celebrated rivalry, potentially in venues like Las Vegas or Seattle.
Upcoming Important Games
Before the Gonzaga and Saint Mary’s matchup, Gonzaga faces Portland at 6:00 PM on February 25. This game will be broadcast on ESPN+, and it will be crucial for locking in their top seed for the conference tournament.
The intensity surrounding the Gonzaga versus Saint Mary’s rivalry continues to draw national attention, promising an exciting showdown as both teams prepare for their future in college basketball.
