When it comes to sports prop bets, today's landscape is a far cry from what it used to be. Just imagine the odds on Mark Few turning Gonzaga into a basketball powerhouse back in the day-practically a gazillion to one.
Or consider Saint Mary's, which was coming off a rough patch with a winless conference season and only two victories overall when Randy Bennett took over 25 years ago. The idea of them becoming Gonzaga's fiercest West Coast Conference rival and making 11 NCAA Tournament appearances might have seemed like a long shot.
ESPN's college basketball analyst Sean Farnham, who will be courtside for the Zags-Gaels showdown in Moraga, highlights the unique styles of Few and Bennett. Despite their differences, both coaches know their strengths and have a knack for elevating their teams.
This season is a testament to that. Gonzaga, ranked No. 9, bounced back from a 40-point loss to Michigan with a 15-game winning streak. Even after losing key player Braden Huff to injury and suffering a setback against Portland, they rallied with six consecutive wins, including a dominant 41-point victory over the Pilots, clinching another conference championship-Few's 23rd in 27 seasons.
On the other side, Saint Mary's faced its own challenges. With All-WCC players like Augustas Marciulionis and Mitchell Saxen graduating and Jordan Ross transferring, the Gaels had questions at point guard.
Enter Josh Dent, who has stepped up impressively. A win on Saturday would give Bennett his fourth title in four seasons and seventh overall.
Few praises Bennett's commitment to building a strong program at Saint Mary's, noting their consistent recruiting and style. The head-to-head numbers favor Few and the Zags, with a 59-17 record against the Gaels, but the rivalry is as intense as ever. The teams have clashed in 14 of the last 16 WCC Tournaments, with Gonzaga holding an 11-4 edge in title games.
Saint Mary's rise to prominence began with six consecutive 25-plus win seasons from 2008-13, during which they snagged two regular-season titles, two tournament crowns, and made four NCAA Tournament appearances. Players like Patty Mills and Matthew Dellavedova were key figures in those battles.
Brian Michaelson, a longtime Gonzaga assistant, recalls how Bennett quickly turned the Gaels into contenders, consistently challenging the Zags. While other WCC schools have had their moments, none have matched the sustained success of Gonzaga and Saint Mary's.
Both programs emphasize consistency, with Few and Bennett both 63 years old and having former players on their coaching staffs. This consistency has fueled their rivalry and mutual respect.
Despite the competitive nature, Farnham notes that the relationship between Few and Bennett has evolved into a more cordial one over the years. Bennett's willingness to rise to Few's challenge has benefited both programs, especially in terms of NCAA Tournament seeding.
As Gonzaga prepares to move to the Pac-12 next season, the future of this storied rivalry is uncertain. Farnham hopes the series continues, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the home-and-home format to preserve the unique environments that make these games special.