Web extra: No dancing for Santa Clara

By Chris Furnari

The Broncos' hopes of reaching the NCAA tournament were crushed Monday evening as Santa Clara lost to Gonzaga in the West Coast Conference tournament championship 77-68.

"My respect goes out to Gonzaga," said head coach Dick Davey. "They have done a tremendous job with the program and I have nothing but credit for what they did tonight."

Santa Clara blew a 9-point lead with just over 6 minutes to play in the first half, as Gonzaga went on a 17-4 run to end the first period.

"We got some good looks, but they just didn't fall and that's basketball," said senior Sean Denison.

The Broncos shot 48 percent in the first half and only trailed by five heading into the locker room, but struggled to get any offense going after the break. Santa Clara shot only 28.6 percent in the second half and only 36.7 for the entire game.

"I think Gonzaga did a great job of taking away our shooters, and down the stretch we just had a little trouble converting," said Scott Dougherty.

Dougherty led four Broncos in double figure with 16 points. Joey Kaempf added 13 on 4-8 shooting from the field.

Gonzaga shot 45.5 percent from the field for the game and committed only 6 turnovers. It was Derek Ravio however that provided the offensive spark that propelled the Bulldogs to a win. Ravio scored 28 points on 8 of 12 shooting from the field and a perfect 10 for 10 from the free throw line.

"He strapped us in," said Gonzaga head coach Mark Few. "He played his best game he has ever played, in the biggest moment and when we needed him most."

Ravio earned the tournaments most valuable player award. Also named to the WCC All Tournament team were teammates David Pendergraft and Micah Downs. The only Bronco to make the all tournament was Scott Dougherty.

Gonzaga will be headed to the NCAA tournament for the ninth straight year in a row and is projected to earn either a 12 or 13 seed in the bracket.

"I think our chances our good," said Ravio. "I think we can beat anybody so I am excited."

The NCAA tournament will being on Thursday, March 15. Santa Clara is hoping to earn a spot in the NIT tournament which is scheduled to begin Tuesday, March 13.