Every time the Gonzaga Bulldogs got close, the Saint Mary's Gaels had an answer. It ultimately resulted in a stunning 74-67 Saint Mary's victo
But focusing solely on Saint Mary’s offense would be a mistake. Just ask Gonzaga — ranked 10 spots ahead of its West Coast rival in Kenpom rankings — how fun it is to go against the Gaels defense. The Bulldogs’ 58-point output in Moraga proves SMC can suppress a big-time team.
The Gonzaga Bulldogs opened as 4.5-point favorites over the Saint Mary’s Gaels for the biggest game of the season for both teams at 5 p.m. Saturday on ESPN. The line then moved to 5.5 points ahead of the showdown that will help decide the West Coast Conference’s regular-season champion.
Now beyond objective debate: Saint Mary’s has taken over as the West Coast Conference powerhouse. Not an insult or slam. Just the current reality. The 74-67 Gaels win Saturday on Gonzaga’s homecourt was the fourth in the last five games against the Zags, and gave the visitors their second straight conference regular-season title.