Saint Mary’s Basketball Schedule 2024: A Comprehensive Breakdown

Introduction

Saint Mary’s College, located in Moraga, California, is home to one of the most exciting and competitive basketball programs in the NCAA’s West Coast Conference (WCC). The Saint Mary’s Gaels, under the leadership of head coach Randy Bennett, have developed a rich history of success in collegiate basketball, often contending for top spots in both their conference and the national rankings.

As the 2024 season approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating the Gaels’ upcoming games. With a challenging schedule packed with conference rivals and formidable non-conference opponents, this season promises to be thrilling. Let’s take an in-depth look at Saint Mary’s basketball schedule, along with key matchups and the storylines to follow throughout the season.

Preseason and Non-Conference Schedule

The non-conference portion of Saint Mary’s basketball schedule is crucial for setting the tone for the rest of the season. Playing against teams from various conferences allows the Gaels to test their skills, adjust strategies, and build chemistry before heading into the more familiar WCC competition.

  1. Exhibition Games
    Exhibition games often start the season, giving the coaching staff a chance to evaluate players in a low-stakes setting. These games allow young talent to shine while veteran players fine-tune their skills. Saint Mary’s usually faces lower-tier teams, providing a platform for refining their plays before the competition heats up.
  2. Non-Conference Highlights
    Saint Mary’s non-conference schedule features games against Power 5 conference teams and mid-major programs that rank among the best in the country. This not only prepares the Gaels for the rigors of WCC play but also boosts their NCAA Tournament resume. Typically, Saint Mary’s will face off against a few ranked opponents, with some of the anticipated matchups in 2024 including teams from the Pac-12, Big 12, and Big Ten.
  3. Key Non-Conference Games to Watch
    One of the most anticipated games on the schedule will be the showdown with a Pac-12 powerhouse. This game is often a litmus test for Saint Mary’s, as defeating a major conference team can provide a huge boost in confidence and national attention.
  4. Mid-Season Tournament Appearances
    Saint Mary’s also participates in mid-season tournaments, such as the Maui Invitational or other high-profile tournaments that attract the best teams from across the country. These tournaments are a great opportunity for the Gaels to gain national exposure and test themselves against elite competition in a tournament-style atmosphere.

Conference Play: West Coast Conference (WCC) Showdowns

The West Coast Conference, while traditionally dominated by Gonzaga, is highly competitive. Saint Mary’s often finds itself neck and neck with Gonzaga for the top spot, and the games between these two teams have become some of the most anticipated matchups in college basketball.

  1. Key WCC Rivals
    The WCC features a mix of teams, but there are a few that stand out as the Gaels’ toughest opponents:

    • Gonzaga: The perennial powerhouse and top rival for Saint Mary’s. Every game between these two teams is a must-watch, often deciding the WCC’s regular-season championship.
    • BYU: Another challenging rival, especially when playing in the electric atmosphere of the Marriott Center.
    • San Francisco (USF): Known for their competitive play, USF games are always closely contested.
    • Santa Clara: A team that consistently gives the Gaels trouble and can be a significant hurdle during conference play.
  2. Home and Away Challenges
    The WCC’s home-and-away schedule ensures that every team gets a chance to compete in front of their fans. For Saint Mary’s, the games at McKeon Pavilion are particularly exciting, as the arena’s intimate setting makes for an intense atmosphere. However, the road games can be just as critical, especially when traveling to venues like Spokane to face Gonzaga or Provo for BYU.

  3. Key Conference Games
    The Saint Mary’s vs. Gonzaga matchups are the most anticipated games of the season. Both teams often find themselves ranked in the top 25 nationally, and their head-to-head battles usually have significant implications for the WCC championship and NCAA Tournament seeding. Other pivotal games against teams like BYU, San Francisco, and Santa Clara will also be critical for the Gaels’ standings.
  4. Tough Stretches
    Every season has stretches where a team faces consecutive tough opponents. For Saint Mary’s, this might involve road trips to Gonzaga and BYU in the same week or back-to-back games against San Francisco and Santa Clara. These tough stretches often define a team’s resilience and focus.

Post-Season Prospects: WCC Tournament and Beyond

Saint Mary’s basketball schedule doesn’t just conclude with the regular season. The Gaels traditionally aim for a deep run in the postseason, starting with the WCC Tournament and potentially continuing into the NCAA Tournament.

  1. WCC Tournament
    The West Coast Conference Tournament is held in Las Vegas and determines the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. While Gonzaga is often the favorite, Saint Mary’s has historically performed well in this tournament, making deep runs and sometimes emerging as champions. A good performance in the WCC Tournament can solidify the Gaels’ spot in the NCAA Tournament, even if they don’t secure the automatic bid.
  2. NCAA Tournament Aspirations
    Saint Mary’s has a history of making it to the NCAA Tournament, and with their tough schedule, they typically have a strong case for an at-large bid. A successful regular season combined with a deep run in the WCC Tournament could see the Gaels earn a high seed in the Big Dance. From there, anything can happen, as Saint Mary’s has a history of making surprising runs in the tournament.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)1. When does the Saint Mary’s basketball season start?
The Saint Mary’s basketball season typically begins in early November with exhibition games, followed by non-conference matchups in late November and December. The WCC conference play usually starts in late December or early January.

2. Where can I find the complete Saint Mary’s basketball schedule?
The complete Saint Mary’s basketball schedule is available on the official Saint Mary’s College Athletics website. It will include both home and away games, as well as the times and locations of all matchups.

3. How can I get tickets to Saint Mary’s home games?
Tickets for Saint Mary’s home games at McKeon Pavilion can be purchased through the Saint Mary’s Athletics website or at the venue’s box office. Be sure to buy early for high-demand games, especially against rivals like Gonzaga.

4. What are the key games to watch in the 2024 Saint Mary’s basketball season?
Some of the key games include matchups against Gonzaga, BYU, and mid-major powerhouses during non-conference play. Additionally, mid-season tournaments and WCC rivalry games will be must-watch events.

5. Will Saint Mary’s make it to the NCAA Tournament in 2024?
While it’s too early to make any guarantees, Saint Mary’s consistently competes at a high level and has a strong chance of making the NCAA Tournament, especially if they perform well in WCC play and the conference tournament.

ConclusionSaint Mary’s basketball schedule for the 2024 season promises to be an exciting and challenging journey. With tough non-conference games, fierce WCC rivals, and aspirations of making a deep postseason run, the Gaels are set to captivate their fans once again. Whether you’re cheering from the stands of McKeon Pavilion or watching from home, this season is bound to be one for the books. Stay tuned for what promises to be a thrilling year of Saint Mary’s basketball!

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