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the poor tourney record stems from many years of the inability to compete in talent with recruiting challenges due to outdated facilities, little MBB program staff, and most importantly sustained top level University commitment.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.
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