West Coast Conference Tournament: Bubble teams nationwide breathed a sigh of relief when No. 1 Gonzaga survived No. 5 San Diego 96-92 in overtime in the West Coast Conference Tournament semifinals. A one-bid conference, the WCC could steal a second bid if a team other than Gonzaga wins the conference championship and automatic bid. Junior forward Adam Morrison led the Bulldogs with 24 points. San Diego forced the overtime when senior center Nick Lewis, who finished with 26 points, quickly put in a layup as time expired. After trailing by nine at the half, the Toreros cut the lead to one quickly, and neither team led by more than five points the rest of the way.
Gonzaga wlll face No. 2 Loyola – Marymount in the championship game Monday because the Lions knocked off No. 3 St. Mary’s in the other semifinal game. Junior guard Brandon Worthy led the Lions with 19 points, and junior forward Matthew Knight was spectacular with 16 points and 15 rebounds. Loyola – Marymount will play in its first WCC Championship since 1989.
[3/05/06]
