Predictions for the WCC males’s event: Gonzaga survives

It’s event time on the West Coast, with the Pac-12, Mountain West and West Coast Convention (and others) gathering in Las Vegas to crown champions over the subsequent 10 days.

Our predictions for the WCC occasion, which begins right this moment, are under.

The forecasts for the upcoming Pac-12 and MW tournaments might be printed as soon as the brackets are finalized this weekend.

Thursday

No. 8 Portland vs. No. 9 San Diego: Each groups staggered down the stretch, with USD shedding 5 in a row and the Pilots dropping their final 4. Portland swept the season collection, however the whole lot adjustments on a impartial courtroom within the postseason. Decide: San Diego

No. 7 Pacific vs. No. 10 Pepperdine: Pacific swept the season collection, however each video games had been fairly shut. Waves guard Houston Mallette struggled towards the Tigers (15 factors mixed). We count on a breakout recreation from him because the No. 10 seed advances. Decide: Pepperdine

Friday

No. 9 San Diego vs. No. 5 Brigham Younger: The grind of back-to-back video games begins to actual a toll on the groups concerned within the opening spherical. The Cougars have misplaced 4 of the final 5 video games however discover their midseason groove simply in time. Decide: BYU

No. 10 Pepperdine vs. No. 6 San Francisco: The Waves’ run is lower brief as USF rolls behind veteran guard Tyrell Roberts. Whether or not it’s a convention event or the NCAA Match, the postseason is all about perimeter play. Decide: San Francisco

Saturday

No. 5 Brigham Younger vs. No. 4 LMU: The one group to beat each Gonzaga and Saint Mary’s takes the stage in Las Vegas with elevated expectations and a No. 4 seed. We aren’t satisfied the Lions, who struggled within the ultimate weeks, have what it takes to thrive within the postseason. Decide: BYU

No. 6 San Francisco vs. No. 3 Santa Clara: If you happen to’re looking for a darkish horse group on this event — anybody not named Gonzaga or Saint Mary’s — then Santa Clara suits the mannequin. Guard Brandin Podziemski was excellent in February. His run ought to proceed into March. Decide: Santa Clara

Sunday

No. 5 Brigham Younger vs. No. 1 Saint Mary’s: Let’s hope the third assembly is as riveting as the primary two. (The Gaels escaped by one level at house and by six in Provo.) The distinction as soon as once more? SMC’s protection, which ranks seventh nationally in adjusted effectivity (per Pomeroy rankings). Decide: Saint Mary’s

No. 3 Santa Clara vs. No. 2 Gonzaga: The midseason matchup at SCU was tight. Will the Broncos duplicate that effort on a impartial courtroom? We’re tempted to choose an upset, however suspect the Zags can have an excessive amount of moxie within the ultimate minutes. They’ve spent 4 months making ready for March. Decide: Gonzaga

Monday

No. 2 Gonzaga vs. No. 1 Saint Mary’s: Enjoyable truth: Every of the previous 10 WCC title video games has been determined by 10 factors or extra. Meet the streak buster. This goes right down to the wire, with Drew Timme (who else?) because the distinction in a drama-filled rubber match. From there, it’s onto the NCAAs for each groups. Decide: Gonzaga 63, SMC 58