The Broncos tuned up for their third crack at Saint Mary's by destroying San Diego 104-79 on Saturday. Six Broncos scored at least 11 points in the win. They also were very competitive in the second matchup versus the Gaels, losing 82-77 in Moraga, Calif. Since mid-January, the Broncos have only lost once by 12-plus points, a 94-81 defeat at Gonzaga. Grab the points.

The Gaels went after Santa Clara early in both meetings the way Sonny Liston did against Floyd Patterson in the first rounds of their title fights. Only the Broncos weathered the onslaught in the second meeting at Moraga on February 1 and kept coming at the Gaels into the final minute before losing only 82-77. Rest assured Herb Sendek has his troops ready for a faster start tonight, and while the wheels have come off a few times this season for the Broncos, everything clicked in the Saturday quarterfinal romp past USD when SCU also won the board battle 55-25. The recent absence of rugged 6-8 F Joshua Jefferson (knee) has weakened SMC up front. Play SCU (WCC at Orleans Arena, Las Vegas)