The Gonzaga Bulldogs (21-7, 12-3) are still alive in the race for the West Coast Conference men's basketball title — barely. The Zags trail Saint Mary's (24-4, 14-1) by two games with three to play, which means they have to beat the Gaels Saturday night,

But focusing solely on Saint Mary’s offense would be a mistake. Just ask Gonzaga — ranked 10 spots ahead of its West Coast rival in Kenpom rankings — how fun it is to go against the Gaels defense. The Bulldogs’ 58-point output in Moraga proves SMC can suppress a big-time team.

The bullpen was mostly strong. Sawyer Hawks pitched three hitless innings with one walk and five strikeouts Friday. On Saturday, Brennan Seiber, England Bryan, Matthew Shorey and Miller Green combined to allow no hits in 4⅓ innings with two walks and seven strikeouts, though Jakob Schulz did allow two runs while recording just one out.

Putting pressure on Saint Mary’s terrific guard play led by Augustas Marciulionis is key as the Gaels thrive on dribble penetration. Both teams have plenty of size down low, which should mitigate each other, and every possession will be a fight.

Now beyond objective debate: Saint Mary’s has taken over as the West Coast Conference powerhouse. Not an insult or slam. Just the current reality. The 74-67 Gaels win Saturday on Gonzaga’s homecourt was the fourth in the last five games against the Zags, and gave the visitors their second straight conference regular-season title.