Zags slim WCC favorites

Gonzaga University has been selected as the favorite to capture an unprecedented 10th consecutive West Coast Conference men’s basketball regular-season title in the coaches’ poll released Thursday.

The Zags received six first-place votes for 48 points to edge Portland, which received the remaining two first-place votes and had 44 points.

Saint Mary’s was picked third with 34 points, followed by San Francisco and Santa Clara, which tied at 26 points. San Diego (21 points) was next, followed by Pepperdine (13) and Loyola Marymount with 12.

Bulldogs senior guard Matt Bouldin and junior guard Steven Gray were also named to the All-WCC preseason team selected by the coaches.