For the second successive year Brigham Young University (BYU) have been defeated by Gonzaga in the Grand Final of the West Coast Conference Tournament, this year defeated 71-59.
Tegan Graham had a game high 6 assists but couldn’t get her shooting game going finishing on 5 points. Kaylee Smilerscored 2 points.
Also for the second successive year BYU have been denied direct entry into the NCAA Tournament that a conference championship provides. Instead they will hope to hear their name called out as an at-large bid come the Selection Sunday Show this weekend.
With an overall 26-3 record this season and a national ranking of 15 selection would appear to be a formality but it will still be a nervous wait for Graham, Smiler and the third Kiwi on the BYU roster, Arielle Mackey-Williams.
On the Men’s side of the West Coast Conference Tournament Saint Mary’s College Men suffered the same fate as BYU Women – defeated by Gonzaga in the semi-finals. Downed 82-69, with Dan Fotu scoring 6 points, St Mary’s will have to wait to see if they participate in the National Championships.
Again, the omens are good for Kiwi involvement with St Mary’s putting together a 25-7 record and holding a national ranking of 17.
I was playing devil’s advocate with the headline, I’m sure both players will be suiting up at the National Championships next week.
LACEY LOWDOWN 
Had to read the last line. If I hadn’t you certainly would have received feedback! Keep up the great coverage!
Cheers