Santa Clara Basketball Advances to WCC Championship After Upsetting Saint Mary’s
Santa Clara basketball has historically struggled against Gonzaga, leading to a significant challenge in the upcoming championship game. However, on March 10, 2026, the Santa Clara men’s basketball team turned the tide by defeating No. 21 Saint Mary’s 76-71 in the West Coast Conference (WCC) tournament semifinals. This victory not only propelled them into the championship game but also marked a pivotal moment in their season.
The win against Saint Mary’s was particularly noteworthy as it achieved a milestone for head coach Herb Sendek, who celebrated his 600th career victory. Sendek’s leadership has been instrumental in guiding the Broncos through a successful season, which has seen them post a 24-7 record, the second-most regular-season victories in program history. With an average of 83.5 points per game, Santa Clara’s offense has been a force to be reckoned with this season.
In the semifinal match, Sash Gavalyugov led the scoring for Santa Clara with an impressive 23 points, while Elijah Mahi contributed 19 points and Allen Graves added 10 points. The team’s ability to deliver when it mattered most was evident, as they executed a solid game plan against a ranked opponent. “Santa Clara delivers when it mattered most,” remarked an analyst following the game.
Looking ahead, Santa Clara will face Gonzaga in the WCC Championship title game. This matchup will be the 11th meeting between the two teams in the WCC Tournament, with Santa Clara having won just one of the previous ten encounters. Despite this historical disadvantage, the Broncos are eager to capture their third WCC Championship title, having previously won in 1987 and 1993.
The victory over Saint Mary’s could also have implications beyond the WCC Championship, as observers speculate that if the selection committee views this win as a significant resume booster, the WCC could potentially send three teams to the NCAA tournament. This prospect adds an extra layer of excitement to the championship game.
As the championship game approaches, the Santa Clara community is rallying behind their team, hoping for a historic upset against Gonzaga. The Broncos’ recent performance has instilled a sense of optimism among fans and players alike. “Santa Clara may have just changed that,” noted a commentator, highlighting the potential for a shift in momentum.
With the championship game set to take place in Las Vegas, all eyes will be on Santa Clara basketball as they aim to make history and secure their place among the elite in college basketball. The outcome of this game will not only determine the WCC champion but could also shape the future of the program as they look to build on this successful season.
