SAN BRUNO, Calif. – This year, the West Coast Conference (WCC) women's basketball programs have made history as six teams earned selections for postseason tournaments, matching a conference record. This season’s standout is Oregon State, which clinched the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament after winning the Credit Union 1 West Coast Conference Championship.
Oregon State, the conference champion, has been awarded a No. 14 seed in the NCAA Tournament and will battle the No. 3 seed North Carolina on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 1:30 PM PT in Chapel Hill, N.C., airing live on ESPNU. The Beavers entered the tournament with momentum, having won 10 of their last 12 games, including a pivotal victory against Portland in the championship game.
The pathway to this opportunity included a series of impressive performances culminating in a 59-46 win over Portland in the title game on March 11, with Oregon State finishing the season 12-8 in conference play and capturing the No. 4 seed in the tournament. Senior Kelsey Rees led the charge for the Beavers, averaging 12.8 points and 7.6 rebounds per game, while other key players like AJ Marotte and Catarina Ferreira have also contributed significantly.
Meanwhile, Gonzaga and Portland will compete in the Women’s Basketball Invitational Tournament (WBIT). Gonzaga received the No. 4 seed and will host the UTSA team on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 6:00 PM PT. Gonzaga has had an impressive season as well, winning 16 out of their last 18 games, and is known for its potent attacking play, ranking among the elite in the conference.
Portland will make their WBIT debut, travelling to California to face the No. 2 seed Stanford the same day at 7:00 PM PT. This marks a record-setting season for Portland as they netted 29 wins, setting a new milestone for the program. The Pilots are hoping to build on their success after advancing to the WCC Championship finals before falling short against Oregon State.
Other WCC teams showcasing their talent in postseason play include Pacific, Saint Mary’s, and Washington State, all entering the Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT). Pacific will kick off their WNIT run against New Mexico State on March 20, 2025, at 6:00 PM PT, while Saint Mary’s will travel to Texas Southern, playing at 4:30 PM PT that same day.
Washington State’s Cougars are in a prime position after securing a bye to the second round of the WNIT. They will face the winner of Air Force and Utah Valley on March 24, 2025, at 6:00 PM PT. Each of these teams brings distinct strengths to the tournament, with Washington State showcasing a solid performance down the stretch, winning eight of their last 11 games.
One of the vulnerabilities for all teams will be creating opportunities against formidable opponents. As Oregon's Peyton Scott expressed, "It was so cool and it was so cool for a lot of reasons." Her sentiments mirror the excitement among the players, especially those like Deja Kelly, who notes that "March is where the best teams rise and when you play your best basketball.” These remarks reflect not just personal achievement but the collective drive of their teams.
Additionally, other players from the dream-filled landscape of WCC basketball are making headlines. Yvonne Ejim from Gonzaga has become a focal point this season after being named an Associated Press All-American for the second consecutive year. Ejim has shown extraordinary command on the court, leading in field goals and being pivotal in Gonzaga's run this season. Only a handful of active players in Division I share her resumes of scoring prowess, with over 2,000 career points and 1,000 rebounds to her name.
As the postseason unfolds, expectations are high for every WCC team participating, creating a buzz in the basketball community. With twelve combined men’s and women’s teams representing the WCC in postseason competition, this sets an exciting precedent for the conference. It showcases the growth and potential in the league, especially after achieving similar milestones in previous seasons.
Fans are urged to follow the journey of these teams as they compete in this critical phase, looking to make history not just for themselves, but for the entire West Coast Conference. March Madness is officially here, and these athletes are primed and ready to showcase their hard work and dedication on the national stage, raising the profile of WCC women's basketball as they pursue postseason glory.
