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Yahoo
23-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Alabama Basketball 2024-25 Opponent Preview: Saint Mary's Gaels
After picking up a first round NCAA Tournament win Friday afternoon over Robert Morris, a round of 32 showdown with the Saint Mary's Gaels now awaits the Alabama Crimson Tide. The No. 7 seed in the East Region, Saint Mary's is making their fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance this season, as well as their third round of 32 showing over the last four years. Saint Mary's is also coming off one of the program's best regular seasons in recent memory, and are now looking to make the program's first Sweet 16 appearance since 2010. Here are a few things you need to know about Alabama's second round NCAA Tournament, the Saint Mary's Gaels. Conference: WCC Arena: UCU Pavilion, Moraga, California 2024-25 Record: 29-5 overall (17-1 in WCC) Ranking: No. 20 in AP Poll, No. 19 in Coaches Poll NCAA Tournament Seed: No. 7 in East Region Out of the WCC, Saint Mary's entered the NCAA Tournament ranked as a Top 20 team nationally according to both the AP and Coaches' Polls. The Gaels, who are the No. 7 seed in the East Region, also sit at 29-5 overall for the 2024-25 season, and were the WCC regular season champions who owned a 17-1 record in conference play. Head Coach: Randy Bennett Associate Head Coach: Mickey McConnell Assistant Coach: Joe Rahon Assistant Coach: EJ Rowland Assistant Coach: Dan Sheets Assistant Coach: Trey Touchet Leading the Gaels program is long-time head coach Randy Bennett, who has been at the helm of the Saint Mary's basketball team since the 2001-02 season. Under the leadership of Bennett, Saint Mary's has made 11 appearances in the NCAA Tournament, with the Gaels' deepest run having been to the Sweet 16 back in 2010. PPG: 73.1 (No. 200 in NCAA) PPG Allowed: 60.5 (No. 4 in NCAA) FG%: 45.4 2P%: 52.2 3P%: 32.2 FT%: 69.4 RPG: 39.8 APG: 15.3 SPG: 6.1 BPG: 4 Stats-wise, the Gaels most notable statistic is their points allowed per game to opponents, which ranks No. 4 in the nation with only 60.5 a contest. Saint Mary's is also averaging 73.1 points per game offensively this season, and are among the nation's top teams when it comes to offensive rebounding, ranking No. 11 nationally with 13.9 a game. Augustas Marciulionis, Guard - Senior Paulius Murauskas, Forward - Sophomore Mitchell Saxen, Center - Graduate Student Luke Barrett, Guard/Forward - Redshirt Senior Jordan Ross, Guard - Sophomore In conclusion, Saint Mary's has three players averaging in double figures led by senior guard Augustus Marciulionis at 14.3 points per game, while also averaging six assists a contest. The two others players averaging in double figures are both Paulius Murauskas and Mitchell Saxen in the frontcourt, each of which are also Saint Mary's leading rebounders. This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Alabama vs. Saint Mary's: March Madness preview of Gaels
USA Today
23-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Alabama Basketball 2024-25 Opponent Preview: Saint Mary's Gaels
Alabama Basketball 2024-25 Opponent Preview: Saint Mary's Gaels After picking up a first round NCAA Tournament win Friday afternoon over Robert Morris, a round of 32 showdown with the Saint Mary's Gaels now awaits the Alabama Crimson Tide. The No. 7 seed in the East Region, Saint Mary's is making their fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance this season, as well as their third round of 32 showing over the last four years. Saint Mary's is also coming off one of the program's best regular seasons in recent memory, and are now looking to make the program's first Sweet 16 appearance since 2010. Here are a few things you need to know about Alabama's second round NCAA Tournament, the Saint Mary's Gaels. Saint Mary's Gaels 2024-25 Team Overview Conference: WCC WCC Arena: UCU Pavilion, Moraga, California UCU Pavilion, Moraga, California 2024-25 Record: 29-5 overall (17-1 in WCC) 29-5 overall (17-1 in WCC) Ranking: No. 20 in AP Poll, No. 19 in Coaches Poll No. 20 in AP Poll, No. 19 in Coaches Poll NCAA Tournament Seed: No. 7 in East Region Out of the WCC, Saint Mary's entered the NCAA Tournament ranked as a Top 20 team nationally according to both the AP and Coaches' Polls. The Gaels, who are the No. 7 seed in the East Region, also sit at 29-5 overall for the 2024-25 season, and were the WCC regular season champions who owned a 17-1 record in conference play. Saint Mary's Gaels 2024-25 Coaching Staff Head Coach: Randy Bennett Randy Bennett Associate Head Coach: Mickey McConnell Mickey McConnell Assistant Coach: Joe Rahon Joe Rahon Assistant Coach: EJ Rowland EJ Rowland Assistant Coach: Dan Sheets Dan Sheets Assistant Coach: Trey Touchet Leading the Gaels program is long-time head coach Randy Bennett, who has been at the helm of the Saint Mary's basketball team since the 2001-02 season. Under the leadership of Bennett, Saint Mary's has made 11 appearances in the NCAA Tournament, with the Gaels' deepest run having been to the Sweet 16 back in 2010. Saint Mary's Gaels 2024-25 Stats PPG: 73.1 (No. 200 in NCAA) 73.1 (No. 200 in NCAA) PPG Allowed: 60.5 (No. 4 in NCAA) 60.5 (No. 4 in NCAA) FG%: 45.4 45.4 2P%: 52.2 52.2 3P%: 32.2 32.2 FT%: 69.4 69.4 RPG: 39.8 39.8 APG: 15.3 15.3 SPG: 6.1 6.1 BPG: 4 Stats-wise, the Gaels most notable statistic is their points allowed per game to opponents, which ranks No. 4 in the nation with only 60.5 a contest. Saint Mary's is also averaging 73.1 points per game offensively this season, and are among the nation's top teams when it comes to offensive rebounding, ranking No. 11 nationally with 13.9 a game. Saint Mary's Gaels 2024-25 Players to Know Augustas Marciulionis, Guard - Senior - Senior Paulius Murauskas, Forward - Sophomore - Sophomore Mitchell Saxen, Center - Graduate Student - Graduate Student Luke Barrett, Guard/Forward - Redshirt Senior - Redshirt Senior Jordan Ross, Guard - Sophomore In conclusion, Saint Mary's has three players averaging in double figures led by senior guard Augustus Marciulionis at 14.3 points per game, while also averaging six assists a contest. The two others players averaging in double figures are both Paulius Murauskas and Mitchell Saxen in the frontcourt, each of which are also Saint Mary's leading rebounders.
CBS News
21-03-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
Saint Mary's climbs back out of shooting slump to top Vanderbilt, 59-56
Saint Mary's Gaels came from behind and hung on for a win against the Vanderbilt Commodores moving on with a 59-56 win in the first round of the NCAA East Region of the March Madness men's basketball tournament. Saint Mary's (28-5) came into the game at Cleveland's Rocket Arena as the No. 7 seed against the No. 10 Commodores (20-12) and were 4.5-point favorites. The Gaels won the West Coast Conference regular-season title but lost to Gonzaga in the WCC Tournament title game. Vanderbilt finished ninth in the Southeastern Conference, but faced much stronger competition throughout the season. The Commodores, led by first-year head coach Mark Byington, are/were making their first March Madness tournament appearance since 2017, while Randy Bennett is in his 24th year as the Gaels head coach. The Gaels were hamstrung in the first half by their continued lack of a 3-point game. Saint Mary's shot 34.6% shooting in the opening half (9-of-26). Vanderbilt led by as many as 12 points before Saint Mary's led a steady comeback while WCC Player of the Year Augustas Marciulionis sat on the bench after picking up his fourth foul just 3 minutes into the second half. With 8:48 left, Marciulonis returned and his 3-pointer with 6:40 left gave Saint Mary's its first lead of the game. Vandy's Jason Edwards tied it up with a 3, but Marciulionis immediately hit another 3 to put the Gaels back in front with 4:23 left. Luke Barrett buried a 3 at 2:03 to extend the lead to 6, the largest lead of the game for the Gaels. The Gaels will now meet top-seeded Alabama in the round of 32.
New York Times
21-03-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
How to watch Saint Mary's vs. Vanderbilt: Odds, storylines for men's NCAA Tournament matchup
Saint Mary's is making its fourth NCAA Tournament appearance in a row and has become a regular during Randy Bennett's 24-year tenure. However, the Gaels haven't made the Sweet 16 since 2010. Will this be the year? SEC foe Vanderbilt stands in a way. We've got a breakdown of the strengths and weaknesses on both sides of the matchup, plus odds and viewing info. Our game previews are a collaborative effort between The Athletic staff, The Field of 68 and Brad Evans' The Gaming Juice. Dive into March Madness with The Athletic Projecting the bracket | Best picks to win the title Strengths: Saint Mary's features positional size and senior leadership, but what stands out the most is its defense and rebounding. The Gaels are second only to Texas A&M in the country in offensive rebounding percentage, grabbing over 40 percent of their misses. They also don't allow many offensive boards, ranking No. 1 in rebound margin per game (10). The defense is just as solid with its No. 7 efficiency ranking on KenPom thanks to senior center Mitchell Saxen, the WCC Defensive Player of the Year. Saint Mary's also has the back-to-back WCC Player of the Year in Augustas Marciulionis, who averages 14.3 points and 6.1 assists (top-20 in the nation). This team is methodical in its approach, and so far, it has worked. Advertisement Weaknesses: The offense can stall at times, and it isn't built to come from behind with its lack of 3-point shooting, as evidenced by the 0-for-16 nightmare from deep in the WCC Tournament title game loss to Gonzaga. The Gaels' 3-point attempt to field goal attempt ratio is in the 300s nationally, and they shoot just 32.3 percent from beyond the arc, which ranks in the 200s. Their pace offensively is also 359th out of 364 Division I teams, leaving not much margin for error on that end. Their highest margin of defeat this season came against Utah State and Gonzaga, who both have a pace in the top 55. Outlook: Defense and rebounding both travel, and that bodes well for Saint Mary's. If it's caught in a slugfest, there's no reason to believe it can't win. But if the Gaels play a fast-paced, offensive-minded team, will their style prevail? It's hard to tell. That's probably the biggest question. They have Sweet 16 upside if they can avoid a shootout. —Sam Lance Strengths: Vanderbilt has some very real offensive firepower. A top-25 offense, according to KenPom, the Commodores are capable of exploding thanks to the presence of All-SEC guard Jason Edwards. The 6-foot-1 Edwards is a streaky shooter with deep range who pairs perfectly with AJ Hoggard, a more physical point guard who has plenty of experience from his four Big Ten seasons with Michigan State. Tyler Nickel has made numerous clutch 3-pointers, and the combination of that trio of perimeter weapons with a pair of burly, undersized bigs has made Vandy really dangerous. The Commodores pound the offensive glass, force turnovers and, on nights when their 3s are going down, are really difficult to beat. Ask Tennessee, Kentucky, Texas A&M and Missouri. Weaknesses: Vanderbilt's strength on the defensive end is its ability to force turnovers. But in order to force turnovers, the Commodores take risks, which can create problems. For starters, they foul quite a bit, with a defensive free throw rate in the bottom 25th percentile nationally. They also allow too many shots around the rim, although Devin McGlockton and Jaylen Carey have been above average as rim protectors. But more than anything, Vandy gives up far too many open 3s. Opponents shoot 37 percent from beyond the arc. Only Cal (37.6) and Miami (39.7), which had its coach quit in December and may be the worst Power 5 team in the country, are the only high-major programs to allow a higher 3-point shooting percentage. Advertisement Outlook: The Commodores are capable of taking down the big dogs in college basketball. They have multiple wins over top-10 opponents because of their boom-or-bust nature as a team. When Edwards gets hot and they force turnovers and play in transition, they have proven they can beat anyone. —Rob Dauster Streaming and Betting/Odds links in this article are provided by partners of The Athletic. Restrictions may apply. The Athletic maintains full editorial independence. Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication. (Photo of Aidan Mahaney: David Becker / Getty Images)
NBC Sports
20-03-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Vanderbilt vs Saint Mary's Prediction: Odds, Expert Picks, Betting Trends and Stats for 2025 March Madness
The Saint Mary's Gaels (28-5) face the Vanderbilt Commodores (20-12) in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday, in Cleveland, OH. Under coach Randy Bennett, the Gaels secured a bid despite losing in the West Coast Conference title game to Gonzaga. The No. 7 seed in the East is led by senior guard Augustas Marciulionis (14.3ppg). Saint Mary's is known for its disciplined, defense-oriented play and efficient offense. The Commodores earned their NCAA Tournament berth and a No. 10 seed in the EAST despite losing their last three games heading into the Tournament. The dimutive Jason Edwards leads Vandy in scoring averaging 17.0 points per game. Saint Mary's will look to impose their methodical pace, emphasizing ball control and defensive pressure. Vanderbilt's success may hinge on exploiting the Gaels' defense from the outside in - shoot well from the perimeter before attacking the paint. The Commodores' ability to adapt to Saint Mary's tempo and execute efficiently will be crucial. Lets dive into the matchup and offer some information and possibly a sweat or two. We've got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch the opening tip, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts. Game details & how to watch Vanderbilt vs. Saint Mary's Date: Friday, March 21, 2025 Time: 3:15PM EST Site: Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse City: Cleveland, OH Network/Streaming: truTV Never miss a second of the action and stay up to date with all the latest scores and player news. Check out our day-by-day NCAA Basketball Schedule Page that includes live game updates. Game odds for Vanderbilt vs. Saint Mary's The latest odds as of Thursday courtesy of BetMGM: Odds: Vanderbilt Commodores (+155), Saint Mary's (-190) Spread: Gaels -4.5 Total: 135.5 points . Expert picks & predictions for Vanderbilt vs. Saint Mary's Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NCAA calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, injuries, and the schedule. Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager. Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Friday's Commodores & Gaels game: Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Moneyline. Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Vanderbilt Commodores +4.5. Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Game Total UNDER 146.5. Vanderbilt vs. Saint Mary's: Top betting trends and recent stats Vanderbilt has lost its last 3 games Vanderbilt is 0-3 against the spread in their last 3 games (18-13 ATS for the season) Saint Mary's is 0-4 against the spread in their last 4 and 3-7 in their last 10 games (14-16 ATS for the season) Vanderbilt is 3-1 against Saint Mary's in their respective histories (Vandy is 3-1 ATS in those 4 meetings) These teams last met in 2022 If you're looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NCAA Basketball Top Trends Tool on Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700. Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff: · Jay Croucher (@croucherJD) · Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper) · Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) · Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)
