Gonzaga Eyes Historic Streak Extension (Image Credits: Flickr)
Las Vegas – The Orleans Arena prepares to host the decisive clash of the 2026 Credit Union 1 West Coast Conference men’s basketball championship between top-seeded Gonzaga and third-seeded Santa Clara.[1][2]
Gonzaga Eyes Historic Streak Extension
Gonzaga advanced to its 29th consecutive WCC tournament championship game after a hard-fought 65-56 semifinal victory over Oregon State on Monday.[3] The Bulldogs, who entered as the top seed with a 16-2 conference record, demonstrated defensive prowess to limit their opponents.[1]
Santa Clara earned its finals berth by upsetting second-seeded Saint Mary’s 76-71 in the other semifinal.[3] The Broncos, holding a 15-3 mark in league play, showcased offensive firepower throughout the tournament.[4] This matchup pits two powerhouses with strong regular-season resumes against each other.
Path to the Championship
The tournament unfolded over six days at the Orleans Arena, featuring all 12 WCC teams seeded by conference records.[4] Lower seeds fought through early rounds, but top teams dominated the later stages.
- First round (March 5): Portland beat Pepperdine 77-68; San Diego topped LMU 66-62.[3]
- Second round (March 6): Portland defeated Washington State 74-68; Seattle U edged San Diego 58-56.
- Third round (March 7): San Francisco routed Portland 82-65; Pacific slipped past Seattle U 61-58.[1]
- Quarterfinals (March 8): Oregon State held off San Francisco 78-77; Santa Clara beat Pacific 76-68.
Semifinals on March 9 set the stage for Tuesday’s finale, with Gonzaga and Santa Clara emerging victorious.[4]
Broadcast Details for Tonight’s Game
The championship tips off at 6 p.m. PT (9 p.m. ET) and broadcasts live on ESPN.[2][3] Fans in Las Vegas and nationwide can tune in via cable or satellite providers carrying the network.
Streaming options include the ESPN app with a valid TV provider login.[2] Earlier rounds aired on ESPN+ and ESPN2, maintaining consistent coverage across the event.[4]
| Round | Date | TV Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Semifinals | March 9 | ESPN, ESPN2 |
| Championship | March 10 | ESPN |
Orleans Arena’s Role in WCC History
The Orleans Arena has hosted the WCC tournament since 2009, drawing crowds to its 9,500-seat venue on the Las Vegas Strip’s west side.[4] This year’s event spanned March 5-10, combining men’s and women’s competitions.
Las Vegas provides an energetic backdrop, with the arena at 4500 W. Tropicana Avenue serving as the hub for conference crowns.[5]
Key Takeaways:
- Gonzaga seeks its 29th straight WCC title.[1]
- Santa Clara rides semifinal momentum into finals.
- Watch on ESPN at 6 p.m. PT from Orleans Arena.
The winner secures the automatic NCAA Tournament bid, capping a thrilling week of West Coast hoops. Gonzaga’s dominance meets Santa Clara’s upset potential in a game that promises intensity. What do you think will happen in this championship battle? Tell us in the comments.
