Santa Clara Men's Basketball - The Climb

 

      

                                                                                                                    

The Broncos finished WCC league play with a much needed win over USF at Leavey.  Finishing at 19-12 we secured the fourth seed in the WCC Tournament.  We play a surging San Diego team tonight for the right to play St. Mary's in the semifinals.

Beating USD in the tourney would earn us our fourth 20 win season in the past five years and the opportunity to face St. Mary's in the semi-finals.  While the 20 wins seasons and two straight NIT invites are certainly a big improvement in winning, it's been nearly 30 years since we made the finals of the WCC tourney and 27 years since our last NCAA invite.  Despite all the success, we still haven't been able to unseat Gonzaga or St. Mary's as the perennial league leaders.  

The past eight years under coach Sendek and his staff have led to a steady "climb" in every aspect of the program except a Championship title of any kind.  We've had opportunities, but have not been able to break through.  

Our record in the WCC tourney reflects the long drought making it to the finals.  Much of the poor tourney record stems from many years of the inability to compete in talent with recruiting challenges due to outdated facilities, little MBB program staff, and most importantly sustained top level University commitment.  

Those obstacles vanished with the hiring of Coach Sendek and the opening of the A.E.C  Interestingly enough, our last WCC Tourney final appearance was with future NBA MVP Steve Nash in 1993.   With our recent historic back to back first round NBA draft picks we still have not burst the bubble of getting to the finals or winning the WCC tourney.  

Maybe this is our year!  Don't be fooled, USD is a tough out.  Well coached, and, under Steve Lavin, have found talent quickly that are performing on the court.  They have confidence and realize the moment.  

Tonight we hope to see our team continue the climb and take care of USD for a great opportunity in the semis versus St. Mary's. 

Santa Clara Men's Basketball - The Search Continues

 

                                                                                                                  

It's now thirty games into our season and we still seem to be searching for a lineup that can start a game, execute some consistency on offense and defense, exploit favorable matchups, and make good decisions with the basketball.  What was a conundrum has now become an enigma, perplexing, or any other term to describe a roster that can beat top 25 teams and lose four games to teams wallowing down in the #250-320 in the rankings.  

Portland was just the latest example of not figuring out the above.  In spite of the Broncos being outrebounded, outshot, and giving up 38 points in the paint, we were one missed free throw away, with 15 seconds left, from winning that game.  It's de-ja' vu from the recent USF loss.  It's a reason that St. Mary's is dominating the WCC this year.  They make proper adjustments and are coached to and able to close out games even when they don't play well.  

We watched as Portland's Tyler Robertson torched us, again, for 32 points without making a three point shot.  They took advantage of our small lineup and pounded the ball to him down in the paint and we couldn't stop it with Tilly and Caffaro on the bench.  They also spread the floor wide and drove the lane unimpeded for layups.  On our part, we didn't seem to try to exploit our height advantage.  Tilly and Caffaro played a total of 24 minutes scoring only six points. 

For Bronco Fans and Season Ticket Holders, an 18-12 record is below expectations.  Sure injuries, short rest intervals between games due to travel are factors, but not unlike what other WCC teams have faced.  The Gaels are without a starter and are still thriving. 

Tonight versus USF is another chance to solve the jig saw puzzle.  There are no secrets as to how USF plays and how distasteful that loss was to our team.   Although it changes nothing in the final standings, it could at least be one hopeful momentum builder for the WCC  tourney next week.  Winning the WCC tourney is our long odds chance for a post season invite.  

If we can get to 20 wins again, it will at least keep hope alive that we can build something better for 2025.  

Let's do our part tonight by being loud and strong for our players to get this grudge win!