Gonzaga basketball, Saint Mary’s

MORAGA, Calif. – Saint Mary’s coach Randy Bennett has updated his scouting report for Gonzaga’s visit tonight.

“Probably not let (Kyle) Wiltjer get 45,” said Bennett, following the Gaels’ victory over Portland on Thursday. “That’s probably a good start.”

Gonzaga, which defeated Pacific 86-74 on the strength of Wiltjer’s 45-point effort, has earned at least a share of the West Coast Conference championship. With a victory over the Gaels, the third-ranked Zags (27-1, 15-0) would claim their 13th outright title in coach Mark Few’s 16 seasons. Gonzaga shared the 2011 title with Saint Mary’s and finished second in 2012 and in Few’s first season in 2000.

The Zags know it won’t be easy, even though they’ve won five of the last six on the Gaels’ home floor, including a 75-47 Senior Night rout last season. It is Senior Night again for Saint Mary’s (20-6, 12-3), which needs a marquee victory to enhance its NCAA tournament chances. McKeon Pavilion is one of the toughest venues in the conference and the school is retiring ex-Gaels’ great Patty Mills’ No. 13.

There’s a lot at stake for Gonzaga, which is aiming for a school-record 21st consecutive win and trying to stay on track for a possible top seed in the NCAA tournament.

“Last year we got the best of them (at McKeon) so their crowd is going to be into it more than ever this time,” GU senior guard Kevin Pangos said.

And the ceremony for Mills? “There’ll be even more buzz there,” Pangos said.

Gonzaga won the first meeting this season 68-47, pulling away with a 22-2 run in the second half. Pangos led a balanced attack with 14 points. Wiltjer scored 11 points, defended primarily by Washington transfer Desmond Simmons. The Zags held Brad Waldow to 14 points and seven rebounds. The senior center averages 19.7 points and 9.1 boards.

“It’s Senior Night for Waldow, they’re playing for their NCAA tourney lives, it’s us,” Few said. “We know it’s going to be a heck of an environment and another really physical game.”