San Diego, CA -- (Sports Network) - Brandon Johnson posted a game-high 28 points as San Diego rebounded from an early 17-point deficit to outlast St. Mary's, 75-69, in a West Coast Conference semifinal.

Gyno Pomare added 22 points and 12 rebounds for the Toreros (20-13), who advance to take on 22nd-ranked Gonzaga in the conference final on Monday.

Tron Smith had 17 points for the Gaels (25-6), who dropped two of their final three games. Diamon Johnson contributed 17 points and 10 boards, while Patrick Mills added 16 points in a losing cause.

San Diego took a 60-55 lead as Johnson drained a three with 2:45 left in the second overtime, and when De'Jon Jackson made his pair from the line a minute later, it was an eight-point edge.

Although Smith banked in a three with 14.9 ticks left to bring the Gaels within 74-69, Devin Ginty made one from the line with 6.3 seconds remaining and iced the game.

St. Mary's began with a 13-2 spurt and extended the lead to 26-9 just before the midway point of the half on a Smith jumper. San Diego regained some momentum thereafter, but still trailed by 13 points, 36-23, at the break.

The Gaels opened up a 48-33 lead early in the second half, but San Diego kept chipping away.

Thanks to a 13-2 run, the Toreros managed to come within 50-46 with 4:52 left in regulation when Johnson nailed a jumper from the right side. A three by Johnson with 2:19 to go brought San Diego's deficit down to 52-49, and Pomare's free throw on the next possession made it a two-point game with just over two minutes remaining.

After an offensive foul on St. Mary's turn down court, Rob Jones hit a pair with 56 seconds to go, and the game was tied 52-52. Johnson missed a fadeaway jump shot as the seconds ticked away, and the game slipped into overtime.

Each side had a chance to net the game-winner as time wound down in the first OT but failed.