West Coast Conference action returns to Vegas

The West Coast Conference moved its college basketball tournament to the Orleans Arena last year to provide a neutral court, but despite the new surroundings, the result was largely the same as it has been over the past decade.

Gonzaga won its ninth WCC tournament title in 11 years, gaining an NCAA Tournament bid in the process, and seems poised to do so again as the event returns to the Orleans on March 5-8.

The Bulldogs are the top seed after winning their 10th straight conference regular-season title. They are led by senior guard Matt Bouldin, who averages 16.2 points per game.

Second-seeded St. Mary’s, however, has the top player in the tournament in senior center Omar Samhan, who is 16th in the nation in scoring (21.1 ppg), sixth in rebounding (11.2 per game) and 13th in blocked shots (2.9 per game); and is the biggest threat to wrestle the title away from Gonzaga.

Reserved seats are sold out, but standing room-only tickets are available. Call 284-7777 or visit orleansarena.com.