**Saint Mary’s Basketball Team Scores 25th Consecutive Home Victory; A Step Closer to NCAA Tournament**
Key Takeaways:
- Saint Mary’s basketball team won their 25th consecutive home game and closed in on NCAA tournament qualification.
- The Gaels need to win against long-time rival, Gonzaga, to share a record fourth consecutive West Coast Conference championship.
- Saint Mary’s prolific rebounding and second-chance points were instrumental in their victory against Santa Clara.
Moraga, California — Continuing their outstanding performance on their home turf, the Saint Mary’s Gaels extended their winning streak to 25 on Wednesday, moving a significant step closer to qualifying for a coveted NCAA tournament berth.
Saint Mary’s Astonishing Victory Against Santa Clara
The Saint Mary’s basketball team executed an impressive 19-2 run during the two halves of the game. This decisive strategy, along with an overwhelmingly dominant rebounding performance, led them to avenging an earlier loss at Santa Clara. The Gaels toppled the Broncos decisively 86-67 in a battle of teams earlier tied for second place. This victory has pushed Saint Mary’s (26-4, 15-2) closer to a fifth straight NCAA tournament bid.
Rivalries and A Potential Record-Breaking Championship
The West Coast Conference (WCC) basketball rivalry between Saint Mary’s and Gonzaga has been on for two decades. The upcoming game on Saturday not only represents Gonzaga’s final appearance in Moraga as a WCC rival – since they are moving to the Pac-12 – but also a decisive moment for Saint Mary’s. If the Gaels secure a win, they will share a record-making fourth consecutive WCC championship.
Impact and Future Expectations
These wins have significant implications for Saint Mary’s. They have positioned themselves as top contenders in the WCC and are required to demonstrate consistent performance, especially heading into the NCAA tournament. Wednesday’s victory has drastically improved their standing in the NET ranking, pushing them closer to an NCAA tournament invitation. Victory over Gonzaga, which clinched a share of the WCC title, could set the precedent for a potential powerhouse performance in the NCAA tournament.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is Saint Mary’s basketball trending?
A: Saint Mary’s basketball is trending because of their 25th consecutive home victory, making them move a step closer to qualifying for the NCAA tournament.
Q: What happens next?
A: Saint Mary’s is set to face rival Gonzaga on Saturday night. If they win, they share an unprecedented fourth consecutive West Coast Conference championship.
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