Fri Jan 09 04:50:00 UTC 2026: ### Santa Clara Looks to Continue Upset Streak Against Gonzaga

The Story:
Gonzaga University prepares to face Santa Clara in a nationally televised West Coast Conference (WCC) matchup on Thursday, January 9, 2026. Santa Clara has emerged as a significant challenger to Gonzaga, securing upset victories in the past two seasons. Gonzaga coach Mark Few acknowledges Santa Clara’s development under Coach Herb Sendek, highlighting their effective player evaluation and system. The upcoming game holds substantial weight as both teams are currently undefeated in WCC play, alongside Saint Mary’s.

Key Points:

  • Santa Clara defeated Gonzaga in the past two seasons, breaking a 12-year drought.
  • Santa Clara’s offensive strategy heavily relies on 3-point shooting, ranking No. 19 nationally.
  • Gonzaga’s non-conference schedule included teams with similar 3-point shooting tendencies, like Alabama, North Florida, Creighton, and Oklahoma.
  • Santa Clara excels in offensive rebounding, ranking No. 18 nationally.
  • Gonzaga has improved its 3-point defense and rebounding compared to the previous year.
  • Christian Hammond has emerged as an All-WCC candidate for Santa Clara, averaging 17 points and shooting 41.4% from 3-point range.
  • Thierry Darlan, formerly of the NBA G League, contributes off the bench for Santa Clara.
  • The game will be broadcast on ESPN2 at 8:30 p.m..

Critical Analysis:
The article highlights a shift in the WCC landscape, with Santa Clara emerging as a legitimate threat to Gonzaga’s dominance. Santa Clara’s success is attributed to a combination of strategic coaching, effective player recruitment, and a distinctive playing style centered around 3-point shooting and offensive rebounding. Gonzaga’s awareness of Santa Clara’s tendencies, gleaned from both past experiences and their non-conference scheduling, suggests a focused preparation to counter the Broncos’ strengths.

Key Takeaways:

  • Santa Clara’s recent wins against Gonzaga indicate a rising program with a defined identity.
  • Gonzaga is actively preparing to neutralize Santa Clara’s 3-point shooting and rebounding prowess.
  • The outcome of this game will have significant implications for the WCC standings.
  • The game serves as a test of Gonzaga’s defensive improvements and ability to adapt to different offensive styles.
  • The rise of new challengers like Santa Clara intensifies competition within the WCC.

Impact Analysis:
Santa Clara’s emergence as a competitive force within the WCC could reshape the conference’s dynamics. A victory over Gonzaga would further solidify Santa Clara’s status and potentially influence NCAA tournament seeding. The game’s outcome may influence recruiting strategies and coaching approaches within the conference. A Santa Clara win could also give other teams in the WCC confidence that Gonzaga is beatable, raising the level of play in the conference.

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