The Gonzaga Bulldogs, with a 24-2 overall record and 12-1 conference mark, are firmly on the top-16 seed line, thanks in part to their impressive 5-1 Quad 1 record. Meanwhile, the Santa Clara Broncos, at 22-5 overall and 13-1 in conference play, are solidly in the tournament field, but a win over Gonzaga would significantly bolster their resume, particularly given their 1-3 Quad 1 record. With Gonzaga averaging 84.5 points per game and Santa Clara allowing just 61.2 points per contest, this matchup promises to be a fascinating clash of styles, with the Bulldogs' high-powered offense facing off against the Broncos' stifling defense, which has held opponents to 39.5% shooting from the field.
Gonzaga Bulldogs Have Dominated the WCC, With a 12-1 Conference Record and 84.5 Points Per Game Average
The game is scheduled for February 14, 2026, at 8:00 PM ET, and will be played at the Leavey Center, with the TV channel and streaming information to be announced. Fans can expect a raucous atmosphere, as the Broncos look to protect their home court and hand the Bulldogs their third loss of the season.
The Gonzaga Bulldogs have been one of the most dominant teams in the country, with a 24-2 record and a NET ranking of 6. They boast an impressive 5-1 Quad 1 record, including wins over top-25 teams like Tennessee and Alabama. The Bulldogs have been led by their high-powered offense, which averages 84.5 points per game, good for 2nd in the nation. Over their last 5 games, Gonzaga has scored at least 80 points 4 times, with their lowest output being 78 points in a 5-point win over San Francisco. With a 12-1 conference record, the Bulldogs are in control of the WCC standings, but a loss to Santa Clara could tighten the gap.
Key Matchups
The Santa Clara Broncos, with a 22-5 overall record and 13-1 conference mark, have been one of the biggest surprises in the WCC this season. Ranked 41st in the NET rankings, the Broncos have built their success on the back of a stifling defense, which allows just 61.2 points per game, 15th-best in the country. Santa Clara has won 5 straight games, including a 73-64 victory over Loyola Marymount, in which they held the Lions to just 36.5% shooting from the field. The Broncos' 9-0 Quad 3 record is impressive, but they need to prove themselves against top-tier opponents like Gonzaga, with their 1-3 Quad 1 record a notable concern.
CHD Scout Prediction
Gonzaga
80
Santa Clara
75
The key to this matchup will be the battle between Gonzaga's high-powered offense and Santa Clara's stifling defense. The Bulldogs average 84.5 points per game, while the Broncos allow just 61.2 points per contest, setting up a fascinating clash of styles. Gonzaga's offense is led by their 52.1% shooting from the field, 2nd-best in the nation, while Santa Clara's defense has held opponents to just 39.5% shooting from the field. The Broncos must find a way to slow down the Bulldogs' offense, which has scored at least 80 points in 4 of their last 5 games. With Gonzaga's 5-1 Quad 1 record and Santa Clara's 1-3 Quad 1 mark, this game has real consequences for both teams' tournament resumes.
For Gonzaga, keep an eye on their leading scorer, who averages 18.5 points per game, including a 25-point outburst in their last game against San Diego. The Bulldogs also boast a dominant rebounder, who averages 9.2 boards per contest, including 12 rebounds in their win over Tennessee. For Santa Clara, their top scorer averages 16.2 points per game, including a 22-point performance in their win over Loyola Marymount. The Broncos also feature a lockdown defender, who has held opponents to just 36.5% shooting from the field over their last 5 games.
Tournament Stakes
The CHD Scout prediction has Gonzaga winning by 5.0 points, with a 33.1% win probability for Santa Clara. This prediction is based on the Bulldogs' impressive offense and the Broncos' struggles against top-tier opponents. With Gonzaga averaging 84.5 points per game and Santa Clara allowing just 61.2 points per contest, this game promises to be a low-scoring affair, with the Bulldogs' offense facing a stiff test against the Broncos' defense.
A win for Santa Clara would be a significant boost to their tournament resume, particularly given their 1-3 Quad 1 record. The Broncos would move to 2-3 against Quad 1 opponents, with a chance to add more quality wins late. For Gonzaga, a win would solidify their position on the top-16 seed line, while a loss would drop them to 5-2 against Quad 1 opponents. With the Bulldogs' 5-1 Quad 1 record and the Broncos' 1-3 Quad 1 mark, this game has real consequences for both teams' tournament seeding and quad records.