Santa Clara Basketball’s Impactful NCAA Tournament Legacy
Santa Clara earned an at-large bid to the 2026 NCAA Tournament. The Broncos enter the field with a 26-8 record.
They reached the West Coast Conference title game after knocking off Pacific and Saint Mary’s. Gonzaga beat Santa Clara 79-68 in the WCC championship.
Return to the Big Dance
This marks Santa Clara’s 12th Division I NCAA Tournament appearance. It is the program’s first berth since 1996.
Earlier NCAA trips came in 1952, 1953, 1954, 1960, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1987, 1993, 1995, and 1996. Fans note Santa Clara Basketball’s impactful NCAA Tournament legacy across decades.
Tournament Wins and Deep Runs
The Broncos have collected 11 tournament victories in Division I play. Their overall NCAA record stands at 11-14 after a loss to Kentucky in 2026.
- 1952 — UCLA
- 1952 — Wyoming
- 1953 — Hardin-Simmons
- 1953 — Wyoming
- 1954 — Texas Tech
- 1954 — Colorado State
- 1968 — New Mexico
- 1969 — Weber State
- 1970 — Long Beach State
- 1993 — Arizona
- 1996 — Maryland
Santa Clara reached the Final Four in 1952. The program advanced to the Elite Eight in 1952, 1953, 1954, 1968, and 1969.
Coach Herb Sendek
Herb Sendek is in his tenth season at Santa Clara. Entering 2025-26, he had a 161-120 record with the Broncos.
Sendek ranks fourth in school wins. Under his leadership, the team posted eight winning seasons, including seven consecutive winners entering this season.
Coaching background
Sendek began head coaching in college at Miami (OH) in 1993. He later led NC State from 1996 to 2006.
He then spent nine seasons at Arizona State from 2006 to 2015. That experience shaped his work at Santa Clara.
Filmogaz.com will follow the Broncos’ progress in the NCAA Tournament. Coverage will highlight their historic run and present roster updates.
