WCC MEN

No. 4 San Francisco vs. No. 5 San Diego

Time: 6 p.m.

This season: The travel partners split their two regular-season games, which were played just two days apart. San Diego tripped USF 71-68 at home on Feb. 11, but fell 87-71 in San Francisco just two nights later.

Keys to the game: Again, the defensive work of San Diego’s Corey Belser – who will be matched against USF’s Jerome Gumbs – will go a long way in deciding the issue. The Toreros will need to play with the same kind of energy they showed in Friday’s win over Pepperdine if they hope to offset the Dons’ superior frontline size and backcourt athleticism.

No. 3 Saint Mary’s vs. No. 6 Santa Clara

Time: 30 minutes after conclusion of first game

This season: Saint Mary’s won both tightly played games between the two Bay Area travel partners. The Gaels tripped the Broncos 54-51 at home in Moraga, Calif., on Feb. 11 and then knocked them off on the road just two days later, 76-60, in overtime.

Keys to the game: Santa Clara will need another big game from senior forward Travis Niesen to offset Saint Mary’s overall balance. The Gaels are bigger and stronger on the front line, where their senior forward and scoring leader Daniel Kickert will present a difficult matchups for anyone the Broncos sic on him.