Top-seeded Saint Mary's is well-rested entering its first contest of the West Coast Conference tournament in Las Vegas. That comes with the territory when you play in a conference that chooses to protect the regular-season champion. The No. 21-ranked Gaels (27-4) will look to shake off the rust from going eight days without a game when they face upstart Pepperdine in the semifinals of the WCC tourney on Monday. The ninth-seeded Waves (13-21) certainly don't have the same issue. This will be their fourth game in four days after beating Portland on Friday, Oregon State on Saturday and Santa Clara on Sunday.
Pepperdine ready for next WCC tournament challenge: No. 21 Saint Mary's
