The metrics — and oddsmakers — indicated Gonzaga was far better than its record, and there was little doubt the Bulldogs had the ability to once again compete at a high level.Maybe it was simply a matter of timing.

Braden Huff scored 18 points and Gonzaga avenged two regular-season losses to Saint Mary's, beating the 19th-ranked Gaels 58-51 in the West Coast Conference tournament championship Tuesday night. The Bulldogs (25-8) secured the WCC's automatic bid to the NCAA tournament,

For the seventh time in nine seasons, Gonzaga and Saint Mary's will meet in the WCC tournament championship game tonight. Tipoff at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas is set for 6 p.m. on ESPN.