We are well into the season, and the WCC picture is beginning to take shape. Three clear contenders for the conference title—and realistic NCAA Tournament bids—have separated themselves from the rest of the pack, while the crowded middle of the league remains as tight and competitive as ever. Let’s dive in and see where the Cougs currently stand.
THE CONTENDERS
#1 Gonzaga (#8 AP Top 25)
Record: 19–1 | Conference: 7–0
Outside of catching Michigan at the worst possible time, Mark Few’s Bulldogs have looked every bit like the powerhouse teams of the past decade. Led by National Player of the Year contender Graham Ike, who is averaging 19 points and 9 rebounds per game, Gonzaga is as balanced as ever, with 10 players contributing at least five points per contest. The Bulldogs have handled business in WCC play, with their lone scare coming in a comeback overtime win against Seattle U.
#2 Santa Clara
Record: 16–5 | Conference: 7–1
The Broncos once again look poised to push for a Top 25 ranking and could very well secure an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament if they maintain this level of play. Santa Clara leads the conference in both made three-pointers per game (9.6) and offensive rebounds (13.7). Their recent win over Saint Mary’s served as a strong statement and underscored just how serious Herb Sendek’s squad is this season.
#3 Saint Mary’s (#35 AP Poll)
Record: 17–3 | Conference: 6–1
Another ho-hum year for the Gaels. Saint Mary’s is shooting 37.5% from three as a team and a nation-best 81.1% from the free-throw line, making their offense incredibly difficult to slow down. The story doesn’t end there—Saint Mary’s also boasts the top defense in the WCC, allowing just 65 points per game. Big man Paulius Murauskas sets the tone with 19 points and 7 rebounds per contest, while 7’2” Andrew McKeever anchors the paint. With size inside and shooters surrounding it, this well-rounded roster is capable of pushing Gonzaga for the conference crown.
THE MIDDLE
#4 San Francisco
Record: 13–8 | Conference: 5–3
The late, great Bill Russell’s Dons once again field a gritty, competitive team that continues to grind out wins. Ranking fifth in the conference in both offensive and defensive efficiency, San Francisco has largely beaten the teams it should and fallen to the league’s elite—an accurate reflection of where they sit in the WCC hierarchy.
#5 Pacific
Record: 13–8 | Conference: 4–4
Last season’s loss to Pacific—at the time a program that hadn’t won a WCC game in over a year—marked a low point in recent WSU basketball history. In hindsight, it appears that game was the beginning of a legitimate turnaround for the Tigers. With a top-five offense and defense in conference play, Pacific may actually be underachieving in league games. They’ll need to stockpile wins early, as their final four conference matchups (vs Saint Mary’s, @ WSU, @ Gonzaga, vs San Francisco) present a daunting stretch.
#6 Washington State
Record: 8–12 | Conference: 3–4
You could certainly argue that the Cougs are ranked too high at sixth—and you might be right. At 8–12 against a relatively manageable schedule, WSU has experienced more lows than highs. Still, there have been encouraging signs. A spirited performance at Saint Mary’s, where the Cougs erased an 18-point first-half deficit to pull within one possession, suggested progress before returning to Beasley and being humbled by Gonzaga.
Washington State plays Santa Clara and San Francisco just once each this season, meaning the Cougs should be competitive in most remaining games outside of their February 10 trip to the Kennel. Ace Glass continues to improve as the season unfolds, which has been one of the more enjoyable developments to watch. Currently ranked 10th in offensive efficiency and 11th defensively within the conference, WSU will look to see those numbers climb toward the middle of the pack as the schedule lightens.