'This is a resume builder for Gonzaga and Saint Mary's': Bulldogs-Gaels matchup features NCAA Tournament implications

West Coast Conference heavyweights renew their rivalry in Spokane

The stakes are high for the Gonzaga Bulldogs on Saturday when they host their West Coast Conference rival Saint Mary's.

The Bulldogs (16-5, 7-1 WCC) and Gaels (16-6, 7-0 WCC) are once again battling for first place in the WCC as well as a potential at-large bid in the NCAA Tournament.

According to the latest ESPN Bracketology, Saint Mary's is slated to earn the WCC's automatic bid and a No. 10 seed in the NCAA Tournament, while Gonzaga sits on the outside looking in as one of the "First Four Out" teams. The analytics resemble the eye test too — Bart Torvik gives the Gaels a 96.7% chance to go dancing compared to the Bulldogs' 80% odds.

Gonzaga's odds would certainly increase if it can pick up its first Quad 1 win of the season while also keeping pace in the WCC race.

Former Gonzaga All-American Dan Dickau and Gonzaga Nation reporter Cole Forsman broke down the importance of the Bulldogs-Gaels matchup in a new episode of Gonzaga Nation.

Produced by Christian Pedersen.

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