Gonzaga has dominated the WCC conference for as long as I can remember. Mark Few and the Bulldogs have been the big fish in a small pond for far too long. With plans of joining the MountWest in 2026, if another team were to steal the throne, it is now or never.
In steps Washington State, the Cougars are 8-2 thus far this season and appear to be the real deal. New head coach David Riley has his eyes on success.
St. Mary’s has been the only team year in and year out that has been able to compete with Gonzaga, although they have never de-throned the Bulldogs.
Washington State however, is a different animal. Assuming playing the Pac-12 is tougher than the WCC. This program competed at a high level last season in a tough Pac-12 conference. Even landing a 7th seed spot in the NCAA Tournament.
Washington State beat Drake in round one before falling to Iowa State in the round of 32.
Now this season they are automatically the second best team in the WCC, and I am not sure they are that far behind number 1 Gonzaga.
If history repeats itself, Washington State would have the large task of going near perfect in WCC play. As well as split the season series against Gonzaga, at the very least.
Washington State will travel to Gonzaga on January 11th, and host Gonzaga on February 19th.
Weirder things have happened in sports. I think the advantage of playing Gonzaga at home last could help. However, the schedule gives them two of the toughest games of conference play back to back as they play St. Mary’s at St. Mary’s four fays prior on February 15th.
The question is could Washington State steal the WCC from Gonzaga, the answer, maybe! It will take a lot from the Cougars, yet, I think this team has a lot in them.
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Rowan Donaghey, Sports Reporter and Betting Analyst for Stare Down Sports. You can follow him on the X via @RowanDonaghey
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