Pacific Tigers vs Santa Clara Broncos Picks and Predictions for Sunday March 8 2026
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The Pacific Tigers and the Santa Clara Broncos meet in the West Coast Conference Tournament Quarterfinal at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, March 8, 2026. Tip-off is scheduled for 11:00 PM ET with television coverage on ESPN2. Santa Clara enters the matchup as a 10.5-point favorite with the total set around 149.5 points. This quarterfinal pits a Pacific team coming off a tournament win against a Santa Clara squad that earned a bye into this round. If you are looking for more action on today’s games, be sure to check out our free college basketball picks for additional expert analysis.
Pacific Tigers Trying to Keep Tournament Run Alive
Pacific enters this quarterfinal with an 18-14 overall record and an 8-10 mark in West Coast Conference play. The Tigers advanced to this round with a 61-58 win over Seattle in the previous tournament round. Over their last five games, Pacific has recently won over Seattle but recently lost to San Francisco, Gonzaga, Washington State, and Saint Mary’s, showing how challenging the end of the regular season was for the Tigers heading into postseason play.
From a statistical perspective, Pacific averages 72.8 points per game while allowing 68.6 points per contest. The Tigers shoot 47% from the field, grab 38.3 rebounds per game, and average 15.2 assists per game as a team. Defensively, Pacific contributes 2.3 blocks and 5.5 steals per game, relying on rebounding and half-court defense to stay competitive against stronger offensive teams.
Pacific survived its tournament opener largely thanks to defense and rebounding. In the 61-58 win over Seattle, Elias Ralph led the Tigers with 15 points, while Justin Rochelin controlled the glass with 10 rebounds. Pacific shot just 38% from the field but won the rebounding battle 40-34, which ultimately proved decisive. Playing a second game in as many days could present fatigue concerns, but that physical rebounding advantage could be the key if the Tigers hope to pull the upset.
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Santa Clara Broncos Ready After First-Round Bye
Santa Clara enters this WCC quarterfinal with an impressive 24-7 overall record and a 15-3 conference mark. The Broncos earned a first-round bye, allowing them additional rest before this matchup. In their last five games, Santa Clara has recently won over Oregon State, San Francisco, and Seattle but recently lost to Saint Mary’s and Gonzaga, demonstrating their ability to beat most teams in the conference while struggling slightly against the very top competition.
Offensively, Santa Clara has been one of the most productive teams in the WCC, averaging 83.8 points per game while allowing 72.4 points per contest. The Broncos shoot 47% from the field, pull down 35.7 rebounds per game, and average 16.9 assists per game. Defensively, they contribute 3.8 blocks and 9.3 steals per game, creating extra possessions through aggressive perimeter defense.
Santa Clara heads into the tournament on the heels of a strong 93-72 victory over Oregon State. In that game, Brenton Knapper scored 19 points to lead the Broncos offensively, while Jake Ensminger dominated the boards with 10 rebounds and also added 7 assists. Santa Clara knocked down 13 three-pointers and shot 83% from the free throw line, showcasing the type of offensive efficiency that makes them one of the most dangerous teams in the conference tournament.
Pacific Tigers vs Santa Clara Broncos Pick
Pacific Tigers vs Santa Clara Broncos Spread Pick
- Pick: Santa Clara Broncos -10.5
Santa Clara enters this matchup with the clear statistical edge and also benefits from extra rest after receiving a bye into the quarterfinals. Pacific had to grind out a defensive battle against Seattle just to reach this round, and now they face a Broncos offense that averages more than 83 points per game. The Tigers struggled offensively in their last outing, shooting under 40% from the field, and that could be problematic against Santa Clara’s high-pressure defense that generates steals and transition scoring opportunities. Santa Clara’s balanced offense and depth should allow them to gradually pull away in the second half, covering the double-digit spread.
Pacific Tigers vs Santa Clara Broncos Total Pick
- Pick: Under 149.5
I like the under in this matchup because Pacific tends to slow the pace and rely on rebounding and half-court defense. The Tigers’ last game against Seattle finished with just 119 total points, and their offensive limitations often force lower-scoring contests. While Santa Clara has a powerful offense, Pacific’s physical rebounding and defensive style could keep the Broncos from turning this game into a full track meet. I expect Santa Clara to control the game, but Pacific’s deliberate tempo should help keep the total just below the posted number.
Final Score Prediction: Santa Clara Broncos 78, Pacific Tigers 68
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