The Familiar Faces: Saint Mary’s and Gonzaga
Once again, the Western Coast Conference (WCC) is set to feature two familiar and formidable contenders for the 2025 WCC basketball tournament. Saint Mary’s and Gonzaga have secured the top two seeds, following stellar performances in the regular season. The Gaels finished an impressive 17-1 in WCC play, their only blemish a loss to San Francisco on February 6. They enter the tournament riding a seven-game winning streak, a testament to their dominance and consistency. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs, with a record of 14-4, continue to be a powerhouse in the conference. For the past 16 years, either Saint Mary’s or Gonzaga has claimed the tournament title, reinforcing their status as perennial favorites. The question on everyone’s mind is: can another WCC team finally break the monopoly?
The Competition: Can Anyone Crash the Party?
While Saint Mary’s and Gonzaga are the clear frontrunners, the WCC is not devoid of other talented teams. San Francisco, the third seed with a 13-5 record in conference play, could pose a significant challenge. The Dons have shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season and will be hungry to upset the top-seeded teams. Santa Clara, seeded fourth with a 12-6 record, has the depth and experience to make a deep run in the tournament. Lower-seeded teams like Oregon State, Washington State, Loyola Marymount, and others will also be looking to defy the odds and make a statement. The tournament format, which begins with the lower-seeded teams, ensures that every game is a potential upset, adding an element of unpredictability and excitement.
How to Watch the 2025 WCC Tournament
The 2025 WCC basketball tournament will be held at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas from March 6 to March 11. Fans can catch all the action through various streaming and broadcasting options. The first three rounds will be available to stream on ESPN+, which offers a monthly subscription for $11.99 or an annual plan for $119.99, a $24 savings. ESPN+ is an excellent choice for those who want to follow every game and enjoy a wide range of other sports content. Quarterfinal games will air on ESPN2, while ESPN and ESPN2 will cover the semifinals. The championship game will be broadcast on ESPN, and all these games can also be streamed on Sling. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, there are plenty of ways to stay connected with the excitement of the WCC tournament.
WCC Tournament Schedule: A Packed Week of Basketball
The WCC basketball tournament kicks off on Thursday, March 6, with the first round game between No. 10 Pacific and No. 11 San Diego at 5:30 p.m. ET. The following day, Friday, March 7, sees two more games: No. 8 Portland faces No. 9 Pepperdine at 9 p.m. ET, and No. 7 Loyola Marymount takes on the winner of the first game at 11:30 p.m. ET. Saturday, March 8, brings another pair of matchups, with No. 5 Oregon State playing the winner of Game 2 at 9 p.m. ET and No. 6 Washington State facing the winner of Game 3 at 11:30 p.m. ET. The quarterfinals on Sunday, March 9, feature No. 4 Santa Clara against the winner of Game 4 at 8:30 p.m. ET and No. 3 San Francisco against the winner of Game 5 at 11 p.m. ET. The semifinals on Monday, March 10, will see No. 1 Saint Mary’s play the winner of Game 6 at 9 p.m. ET and No. 2 Gonzaga face the winner of Game 7 at 11:30 p.m. ET. The championship game, scheduled for Tuesday, March 11, at 9 p.m. ET, will determine the winner of the 2025 WCC tournament.
WCC Tournament Bracket: A Path to Glory
The 2025 WCC basketball tournament bracket is set, and the road to the championship is clear. Saint Mary’s, the top seed, will face the winner of the Santa Clara vs. Game 4 winner matchup in the quarterfinals. If they advance, they will take on the winner of Game 6 in the semifinals before potentially facing the winner of Game 9 in the championship. Gonzaga, the second seed, will play the winner of the San Francisco vs. Game 5 winner matchup in the quarterfinals. Their path to the championship could include games against the winner of Game 7 in the semifinals and the winner of Game 8 in the championship. The lower-seeded teams will have to navigate a gauntlet of tough opponents, but the excitement of March Madness is precisely what makes these early-round games so thrilling.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the WCC
As the 2025 WCC basketball tournament approaches, the conference’s future looks bright. The consistent performances of Saint Mary’s and Gonzaga have not only elevated the profile of the WCC but have also set a high standard for other teams to aspire to. The upcoming tournament will be a testament to the depth and competitiveness of the conference, as lower-seeded teams aim to upset the favorites and write their own chapter in WCC history. Whether you’re a fan of the perennial powerhouses or cheering for the underdogs, the 2025 WCC tournament promises to deliver a week of exciting basketball and memorable moments.
