NO. 21 SAINT MARY'S END NO. 17 GONZAGA'S MONOPOLY OF WCC TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONSHIP WITH 69-60 WIN
In a pivotal matchup, No. 21 Saint Mary's secured a significant victory over No. 17 Gonzaga in the West Coast Conference Tournament championship game. Led by Aidan Mahaney's impressive 23 points and Mitchell Saxen's dominant performance with 19 points and 15 rebounds, the Gaels controlled the game, leading for the majority of the contest.
This win marked a departure from Gonzaga's usual dominance in the tournament, as they had previously claimed four consecutive WCC championships and 10 out of 11 overall. However, Saint Mary's broke their streak, securing the conference's automatic bid for the NCAA Tournament.
Saint Mary's coach Randy Bennett expressed respect for Gonzaga's program, acknowledging their role in shaping the Gaels' own success. Mahaney's sharpshooting, particularly from beyond the arc, played a significant role in the victory, while Saxen's double-double performance was notable despite facing foul trouble. Reflecting on the game, Saxen highlighted the challenge of maintaining aggressiveness while managing foul trouble. Despite the obstacles, Saint Mary's emerged victorious, signaling their readiness for the upcoming NCAA Tournament.
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