Santa Clara’s March Madness Push: A Realistic Possibility?

Herb Sendek has orchestrated a remarkable turnaround at Santa Clara, propelling the Broncos to a season that has captivated WCC observers. As of today, projections place Santa Clara firmly on the bubble, considered one of the last four teams in contention for an NCAA Tournament berth. Their offensive firepower, averaging 83.8 points per game – ranking 30th nationally – makes them a dangerous opponent for anyone.

The Broncos’ success isn’t solely reliant on scoring. Their predictive metrics and overall resume currently position them favorably for an at-large bid, but a stumble in the WCC Tournament could jeopardize their chances. Key players Christian Hammond (15.9 ppg), Elijah Mahi, and Allen Graves lead a balanced attack, while Bukky Oboye anchors the defense with 20 blocks and 16 steals.

Santa Clara’s tournament path likely begins against either Pacific or Seattle U, with potential matchups against Loyola Marymount and San Diego also in the mix. A first-round loss would almost certainly eliminate them from NCAA contention. However, a strong showing, particularly a potential semifinal clash against Saint Mary’s, could significantly bolster their resume and secure a coveted tournament bid. With Gonzaga’s impending departure for the Pac-12, this tournament presents a golden opportunity for Santa Clara to establish itself as a leading force in the WCC.

Gonzaga and Saint Mary’s: Still the Teams to Beat?

Despite Santa Clara’s ascent, the WCC remains a two-team league. Saint Mary’s, fresh off a share of the regular-season title for the fourth consecutive year, and Gonzaga continue to set the standard. Last week’s Saint Mary’s victory over Gonzaga served as a potent reminder of their dominance, though the Bulldogs were hampered by the absence of key player Jalen Warley.

Warley’s impact extends beyond the stat sheet. Averaging 7.1 points and 4.6 rebounds, his defensive prowess – leading the team with 1.6 steals per contest – is invaluable. Alongside Tyon Grant-Foster, he forms a formidable perimeter defense. His absence was keenly felt in Moraga, where the Gaels exploited the Bulldogs’ vulnerabilities.

However, Saint Mary’s also experienced a subpar performance from Paulius Murauskas, one of the WCC’s premier players. A repeat of that performance in a potential rematch could prove disastrous. The Gaels’ success hinges on Murauskas regaining his form and consistently delivering on his potential.

Oregon State: The Dark Horse with Nothing to Lose

While a Gonzaga-Saint Mary’s final seems most probable, Oregon State presents an intriguing wildcard. The Beavers, currently seeded fourth, find themselves in a unique position. Unlike other mid-tier teams that have faltered, Oregon State, under Wayne Tinkle, has the potential to disrupt the established order. With Tinkle’s future at the program uncertain, the Beavers have a newfound freedom to play with abandon.

Tinkle’s ability to implement any scheme and utilize his entire roster gives Oregon State a distinct advantage. They would need to pull off two upsets to reach the championship game, but their current form and Tinkle’s willingness to experiment make them a dangerous opponent. Could a tournament victory even salvage Tinkle’s position? The possibility adds another layer of intrigue to their potential run. While they may ultimately be outmatched by Gonzaga, in March, anything can happen.

What impact will Gonzaga’s departure to the Pac-12 have on the future competitive landscape of the WCC? And will Santa Clara’s success inspire other programs to invest in building consistent contenders?

Frequently Asked Questions About the WCC Tournament