Published Mar 10, 5:08pm ET by
Keith McCarthy - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Mar 10, 5:08pm ET
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Updated Mar 10, 5:11pm ET
Santa Clara and Gonzaga face off in this season's West Coast Conference Championship. The Broncos are seeking to claim the automatic bid so that they don't have to sweat it out on Sunday.
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| Gonzaga Bulldogs | -375 |
| Santa Clara Broncos | +295 |
Santa Clara has one of the most intriguing résumés of all bubble teams. Currently projected as one of the closest teams to making the field but left out, the Broncos would benefit massively from earning the WCC's automatic bid. Two wins over St. Mary's and top-40 metrics are holding up what is an otherwise pretty subpar strength of record. A win here would end the conversation, while a loss would see them sweating on Sunday.
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Gonzaga plays their final WCC game tonight, after decades of domination. They'll enter the new Pac-12 next season, creating the chance for one final WCC title if they win. The Bulldogs had little trouble dispatching Santa Clara during their two regular season bouts, but may face a tougher task with the Broncos entering this game with far more on the line. Gonzaga projects as a 3-seed and will be a very tough out once again.
With a potential NCAA Tournament bid on the line, Santa Clara has much to compete for in this game. Most Bracketologists see the Broncos making the field regardless of the result of this game, but some bid stealers could have them sweating out the next five days if they aren't able to lock down an automatic bid. Ultimately, despite Santa Clara's need to win this game, Gonzaga is likely to remain a mountain they are unable to climb.
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Pick
Gonzaga Bulldogs (-375)
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