Is A March Madness Bid for Santa Clara Men’s Basketball Now Guaranteed?

Sash Gavalyugov ’29 hits Steph Curry’s “Night Night” celebration after hitting a 3-pointer to put Santa Clara up 76-71 with 13 seconds left in Santa Clara men’s basketball’s semifinal game against Saint Mary’s. (Nina Glick/The Santa Clara)

LAS VEGAS – No. 3 Santa Clara men’s basketball (24-7, 15-3) defeated No. 2 Saint Mary’s (27-5, 16-2 WCC) 76-71 in dramatic fashion on March 9 in the semifinal round of the Credit Union 1 West Coast Conference Basketball Championship at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas.

The Broncos advanced to the WCC tournament final for the first time since 2007. Santa Clara previously won the tournament in 1993. 

“We coming for the championship. We’re not satisfied of just getting to the March Madness. We want to win it all,” said Sash Gavalyugov ’29, the game’s leading scorer. 

“Support us. If you can get a flight to Las Vegas, come support us. The president’s here, so maybe you can excuse them from missing school tomorrow,” said Gavalyugov when asked about his message to students watching back home. 

Santa Clara University President Julie Sullivan said, “Let the students know I’d be willing to vouch for them,” in response to missing class to travel to Las Vegas for the WCC Championship Game. 

Gavalyugov finished with 23 points, shooting 5-for-9 from 3-point range. 

The last time Santa Clara reached the NCAA Tournament was in 1996. The Broncos’ semifinal win over Saint Mary’s significantly strengthened their case for a long-awaited return. 

“Santa Clara’s season has been nothing short of extraordinary. We’re optimistic about receiving three bids to this year’s NCAA Tournament,” said WCC Commissioner Stu Jackson.

The victory also marked the 600th career win for head coach Herb Sendek.

The Broncos will learn their postseason fate during the NCAA Selection Show on Sunday, March 15, at 3 p.m. PT on CBS. 

“There will be a three-bid WCC in 2026. Santa Clara’s second win this season over Saint Mary’s should push the Broncos into the NCAA Tournament for the first time under Herb Sendek. Somewhere in Las Vegas, Stu Jackson is smiling,” said Jon Rothstein, college basketball reporter for CBS Sports Network. 

Next up: Santa Clara will face No. 1 Gonzaga at 6 p.m. PT on ESPN in the championship game. The Broncos lost both regular-season matchups against the Bulldogs this year.