Preview of Santa Clara at Saint Mary’s MORAGA, Calif. (Interstat) — A critical West Coast Conference showdown with NCAA Tournament seeding implications is set for Wednesday night when the Santa Clara Broncos visit the Saint Mary’s Gaels at McKeon Pavilion. The matchup features two of the nation’s hottest teams. Saint Mary’s (25-4 overall) has won seven straight since a Jan. 31 loss at Gonzaga, while Santa Clara (23-6) has won eight of its last nine, with the lone blemish a home loss to those same Bulldogs on Feb. 14. The Gaels, known for their methodical pace and defensive efficiency, will face a Broncos squad averaging 88.4 points during its current three-game win streak. Santa Clara is coming off a dominant 94-73 road victory at San Francisco last Saturday, powered by a career-high 30 points from standout guard Elijah Mahi. The junior has scored in double figures in seven consecutive games, averaging 16.1 points over that stretch. Saint Mary’s counters with its own floor general, senior Joshua Dent, who has been a model of consistency and endurance. Dent has logged 40 minutes in two of the last three games, averaging 14.7 points and 7.0 assists during the Gaels’ seven-game win streak. His backcourt leadership will be pivotal against Santa Clara’s high-scoring attack. The Broncos won the first meeting this season, 62-54 at home on Jan. 17, holding Saint Mary’s to a season-low point total. Replicating that defensive effort on the road will be Santa Clara’s greatest challenge. The Gaels have not lost at McKeon Pavilion this season, boasting a perfect 14-0 home record. With both teams looking to solidify their postseason resumes before Saturday’s regular-season finales — Santa Clara hosts Oregon State and Saint Mary’s hosts Gonzaga — Wednesday’s contest offers a final statement opportunity. A win for the Broncos would forge a tie atop the WCC standings, while a Gaels victory would secure at least a share of the conference title. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. PST. The game will be televised on ESPN2.