In a thrilling upset, Saint Mary's Basketball fell to Santa Clara 76-71 in the West Coast Conference (WCC) semifinal game in Las Vegas on March 9, 2026, marking a significant blow to their NCAA Tournament aspirations.
For the Gaels, this loss comes as a disappointing end to a strong regular season, leaving them on the brink of missing out on the NCAA Tournament. The match featured 14 lead changes and six ties, showcasing the intense back-and-forth battle between the two teams.
The deciding moment came when Santa Clara's Sash Gavalyugov hit a crucial three-pointer, sealing the victory and sending the Broncos to the WCC Championship final. Gavalyugov's clutch performance, totaling 23 points and six assists, was pivotal in the Broncos' victory, as Santa Clara advances to the WCC title game, a significant milestone for the program as they aim to secure their first NCAA bid in 30 years.
The Gaels, under the leadership of coach Randy Bennett, had been anticipated to make a strong push for the NCAA Tournament, but the loss to Santa Clara has cast doubt on their chances. Their previous matchup against Santa Clara was a 62-54 win for the Broncos, highlighting the competitive nature of the rivalry.
For Santa Clara, the win was monumental, not only for their NCAA Tournament hopes but also for coach Herb Sendek, who achieved his 600th career win. This victory propels the Broncos into the championship final, where they will face another formidable opponent and a final test to solidify their NCAA bid.
The outcome of this game has significant implications for the NCAA Tournament bubble, shaking up the dynamics and adding uncertainty. The Gaels' aspirations for a March Madness appearance now hinge on their performance in remaining games and potential post-season accolades.
