Gonzaga basketball extends inconceivable WCC Tournament streak with win over Oregon State
By Ethan Stone
Published:
Gonzaga basketball is a force of nature when it comes to the WCC Tournament.
The Bulldogs advanced to the WCC Tournament final Monday night with a win over Oregon State, which, unbelievably, secured Gonzaga its 29th straight appearance in the WCC title game. Obviously, this is the longest conference championship appearance streak in D-I history, dating all the way back to 1998.
Even more incredible, Gonzaga won the WCC tournament in 21 of their previous 28 appearances. Absolute domination.
If you’re wondering, Gonzaga will face Santa Clara for the WCC crown on Tuesday night. Here’s a look at the latest odds for tonight’s game:
Now, it’s true that Gonzaga plays in an easier conference than other programs that consistently compete for a national title. The WCC currently ranks 8th out of 31 conferences per KenPom, and it’s been much lower than that in the past. For the longest time, Saint Mary’s and BYU were Gonzaga’s only real competition, with a sprinkling of Santa Clara and San Francisco every few years.
Still, 29 straight appearances is a simply mind-boggling number. No off years, not even one, across 29 seasons is going to be a borderline impossible record to beat moving forward, for any conferences.
One way or another, the streak will come to an end — perhaps sooner rather than later. Gonzaga is leaving the WCC following this season and will be joining the reformed Pac-12 on July 1, 2026. Can the Zags keep this conference streak alive heading into a tougher conference?
Ethan Stone is a Tennessee graduate and loves all things college football and college basketball. Firm believer in fouling while up 3.
