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Saint Mary's Favored to Repeat as WCC Champions

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, March 5th 2026 at 5:01 GMT by Sporting News
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Saint Mary's Leads the Pack

Saint Mary's, the top seed, has consistently demonstrated its strength throughout the regular season. Led by a dynamic scoring duo and a stifling defense, the Gaels are looking to secure their second consecutive WCC Tournament title. Their performance in the regular season has been nearly flawless, and they are widely projected to reach the championship game. However, tournament play is unpredictable, and they will need to remain focused and execute their game plan effectively to avoid an upset.

BYU and San Diego as Contenders

BYU, the No. 2 seed, and San Diego, seeded third, are considered strong contenders. BYU's high-octane offense and aggressive rebounding style make them a difficult matchup for any opponent. San Diego, on the other hand, boasts a balanced attack and a veteran core that has experienced success in the tournament before. Both teams will be looking to challenge Saint Mary's for the championship.

The Middle of the Bracket: Gonzaga and Santa Clara

Gonzaga, the No. 4 seed, is always a dangerous team in the WCC tournament. Known for their disciplined play and coaching, the Bulldogs have a history of exceeding expectations in March. Santa Clara, seeded sixth, showed flashes of brilliance during the regular season and could cause some problems if they get hot. Their first-round matchup against Loyola Marymount will be crucial.

Underdogs Hoping for a Run

Teams like Pacific, Loyola Marymount, Pepperdine, Portland, and UC Irvine face uphill battles but are determined to make their mark. Each team brings a unique style of play and a roster of dedicated athletes. While they may not be considered favorites, they are capable of pulling off an upset if their opponents underestimate them. UC Irvine, despite being the No. 12 seed, should not be overlooked - their recent form has been steadily improving.

Full Schedule Breakdown

• March 5, 2026: Pepperdine vs. Pacific (2:00 PM PT - ESPNU), Santa Clara vs. Loyola Marymount (4:30 PM PT - ESPNU)
• March 6, 2026: Gonzaga vs. UC Irvine (2:00 PM PT - ESPNU), San Diego vs. Portland (4:30 PM PT - ESPNU)
• March 7, 2026: Saint Mary's vs. Winner of Pepperdine/Pacific (2:00 PM PT - ESPNU), BYU vs. Winner of Santa Clara/Loyola Marymount (4:30 PM PT - ESPNU)
• March 8, 2026: Semifinal 1 (2:00 PM PT - ESPNU), Semifinal 2 (4:30 PM PT - ESPNU)
• March 9, 2026: Championship Game (5:00 PM PT - ESPNU)

How to Watch

All games of the WCC Women's Tournament will be exclusively broadcast on ESPNU. Fans can also follow live scores and updates on Sporting News' dedicated tournament page. Streaming options will also be available through the ESPN app, providing access for those who can't watch on television.

The 2026 WCC Women's Tournament promises to be an exciting and competitive event. With Saint Mary's leading the way, but several other teams vying for the crown, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the WCC basketball season.