- Saint Mary’s College, located in Moraga, California, is a prominent member of the West Coast Conference (WCC). The Gaels have established themselves as a formidable force in college basketball, earning their fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance in 2025. This season, they secured a 29-5 record, including a 17-1 mark in conference play, clinching the WCC regular-season championship.
The Gaels are renowned for their defensive tenacity, allowing an average of just 60.5 points per game, which ranks among the nation’s best. Their methodical offensive approach emphasizes patience and efficiency, contrasting sharply with the fast-paced, high-scoring style of their upcoming opponent, the Alabama Crimson Tide.
In the first round of the NCAA Tournament, Saint Mary’s showcased their resilience by edging out Vanderbilt with a 59-56 victory. Center Mitchell Saxen played a pivotal role in this win, delivering clutch performances down the stretch. Saxen, standing at 6-foot-10 and weighing 250 pounds, anchors a formidable frontcourt that includes two 7-foot-1 players off the bench, providing the Gaels with significant size and depth.
Saint Mary’s also excels in rebounding, boasting a national-best average margin of 10.7 rebounds per game. They average 39.8 rebounds while limiting opponents to 29.1, underscoring their dominance on the boards.
Under the guidance of Coach Randy Bennett, who has been at the helm since 2001, the Gaels have consistently been competitive. They last reached the Sweet 16 in 2010 and are determined to replicate that success this year. Their balanced attack, disciplined defense, and experienced roster make them a challenging matchup for any opponent.
As they prepare to face Alabama, Saint Mary’s is not daunted by the higher-seeded Crimson Tide. Saxen emphasized, “It’s not David versus Goliath for us,” reflecting the team’s confidence and experience. The Gaels aim to dictate the game’s tempo, leveraging their defensive prowess and rebounding strength to counter Alabama’s high-octane offense.
The upcoming clash between these contrasting styles promises an intriguing battle, with Saint Mary’s seeking to control the pace and capitalize on their strengths to advance to the
Sweet 16.
