Valentine’s Day Showdown: Broncos Host Gonzaga in Pivotal WCC Showdown

Allen Graves ’28 goes up for a lay up during Santa Clara men's basketball practice on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. (Nina Glick/The Santa Clara)

With the West Coast Conference title race coming down to the wire, a marquee matchup is on tap for this Saturday, Valentine’s Day. The Santa Clara Broncos (21-5, 12-1 in WCC play) are set to host the No. 12 Gonzaga Bulldogs (23-2, 11-1 in WCC play) on Saturday at the Leavey Center at 7:30 pm. With just four regular-season games remaining, the outcome could play a huge role in determining the eventual conference champion.

Since the beginning of conference play, the Broncos have been red-hot. As of Wednesday, Feb. 11, they are boasting an eight-game winning streak whilst being an undefeated 12-0 at home this season. This year also marks the fifth 20-plus win season in a row for the Broncos.

Currently atop the WCC standings, Santa Clara holds a one-game lead over Gonzaga, the league’s longtime powerhouse. 

But, with four games left, this season is far from over, including this top-of-the-table clash. This matchup has been circled on the Broncos’ calendar since Jan. 8, when Gonzaga pulled away late to secure an 89-77 victory in Spokane. Now, with the rematch shifting to Leavey Center, the Broncos have a chance at redemption and a statement win.

“It’s a big game, but they have to play us too, you know,” said Jake Ensminger, a redshirt junior guard from Germany and a starter for the Broncos. “In the past, it’s been, ‘Oh, it’s Gonzaga, let’s beat them,’ but obviously we are undefeated here in Leavey, and they gotta come play here.” 

That confidence has been built over the course of a season fueled by internal belief and resilience. Despite offseason departures and outside skepticism, the Broncos embraced an underdog mentality and it has worked for them so far. 

“We obviously believed in each other. From the outside, people kinda said they lost these guys, so they aren’t going to do as well, and I think we kinda took that personally that we got written off before we even had a chance to prove ourselves,” Ensminger said.

Saturday night offers Santa Clara more than just a chance to defend first place. The Broncos have not appeared in the NCAA Tournament since 1996—30 years ago—when Steve Nash led the team onto the national stage. Now, their postseason hopes rest entirely on how they perform in the final few games, as well as in the WCC Tournament, where they’ve run into issues in previous years. Per ESPN Bracketology, the Broncos are currently listed as an 11 seed in the NCAA Tournament, projected to compete in the Greenville regional. 

Now, a chance to redeem themselves is ahead. A victory over Gonzaga would strengthen the Broncos’ postseason resume and send a message as the big dance approaches. 

With an impressive winning streak and an anticipated raucous home crowd behind them, this game will be a big one. Whether it’s a chance to stay in control of the West Coast Conference or a signature win against a historically stout program on Valentine’s Day, the Leavey Center will undoubtedly be electric. For the Broncos, it’s a moment built on their confidence and belief in themselves—and a chance to turn a big February night into something unforgettable.