Saint Mary's Upsets Gonzaga To Win WCC Championship

Saint Mary's center Mitchell Saxen (11) collides with Gonzaga forward Graham Ike (13) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game for the championship of the West Coast Conference men's t

Saint Mary's secured a historic victory in the West Coast Conference Tournament by defeating Gonzaga 69-60 in a thrilling championship game. This win marked a significant shift in the conference's dynamics, as Gonzaga had previously dominated the tournament, winning four consecutive titles and 10 out of 11 overall.

The Gaels, led by Aidan Mahaney's impressive 23-point performance and Mitchell Saxen's double-double of 19 points and 15 rebounds, showcased their resilience and determination throughout the game. Mahaney's sharp shooting, including 5 of 7 from beyond the arc, played a crucial role in Saint Mary's success.

Despite a valiant effort from Gonzaga, with Anton Watson scoring 18 points and Ryan Nembhard contributing 13 points and 11 assists, the Bulldogs fell short in their quest for another championship. The game remained closely contested, with Saint Mary's maintaining a lead for the majority of the matchup.

Augustas Marciulionis, named the WCC tournament's most outstanding player, further solidified Saint Mary's victory with his 13-point performance. The Gaels' defensive prowess was on full display, forcing Gonzaga into 13 turnovers while dominating the rebounding battle.

Aidan Mahaney led the Gaels with 23 points, including sharp shooting.

Saint Mary's defeated Gonzaga 69-60 in the championship game.

Mitchell Saxen contributed a double-double of 19 points and 15 rebounds.

Both teams entered the championship game in impressive form, with Saint Mary's winning 23 of their last 25 games and Gonzaga ending a nine-game winning streak. The Gaels' perseverance and belief in their abilities were evident as they overcame early-season struggles to claim the conference title.

Looking ahead, Gonzaga remains a formidable contender in the upcoming NCAA Tournament, aiming to extend their streak of Sweet 16 appearances. Saint Mary's, on the other hand, celebrates a well-deserved victory and looks forward to making a statement on the national stage.

In conclusion, Saint Mary's triumph over Gonzaga not only secured their place in the NCAA Tournament but also marked a significant milestone in the rivalry between the two teams. The Gaels' resilience, combined with their stellar performance, earned them a memorable victory in the WCC championship game.