It’s hard to believe that it has already been almost six months since Saint Mary’s fell to Grand Canyon in an upset victory for the Antelopes in the first round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament in Spokane, Washington.
But now, with November just a couple of months away, the team preps for a non-conference slate that gives them a big chance to pick up some quality wins. The big question mark for the team is how they fare with the losses of rugged guard Aidan Mahaney (UConn) and key defensive forward anchor Joshua Jefferson (Iowa St).
When looking at the schedule, they have a great test right off the bat. The Gaels begin their season at home in Moraga, California, against Towson, who returns 81%of their scoring on Nov. 4.
The Gaels will then take on Chattanooga and an NCAA Tournament team from last year in Akron before facing another tourney team from last year in Nebraska on Nov. 17 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
After that crucial game against Nebraska, the Gaels will have a big test 11 days later when they battle USC and Arizona St or New Mexico in the Acrisure Classic, a vital opportunity for a likely Quad 1 or Quad 2 victory.
Before the non-conference portion of the season ends, Saint Mary’s will have three more opportunities for wins in the Quad 1/2 department when they face Utah, Boise State and Utah State, respectively.
Key returners like graduate center Mitchell Saxen (11.8 ppg, 7.6 rebs, 1.5 ast) and senior guard Augustus Marciulionis (12.4 ppg, 5.3 ast, 34.3% 3pt pct) will be called upon early to ensure that the team doesn’t struggle in non-conference play like last season.
A strong non-conference showing will put the Gaels in an excellent position for success in West Coast Conference play and potentially securing their fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance.
