Saint Mary’s Gaels are gearing up for their sixth appearance in the NCAA Tournament as they face Vanderbilt in Cleveland on Friday. Led by a strong defense, the Gaels have made a name for themselves this season, ranking high in several defensive metrics including fewest 3-pointers allowed, defensive rebounds allowed, and points allowed. Senior big man Mitchell Saxen has been a force on the boards, with guard Augustas Marciulionis contributing in steals.
Coach Randy Bennett has instilled a defensive mindset in the team, focusing on on-ball defense and pick-and-roll situations. The Gaels have a history of defensive success, dating back to their Sweet 16 appearance in 2010 when they were better at scoring than limiting opponents’ points. Despite past tournament success, they faced a setback in 2024 against Grand Canyon due to the opponents’ physical play and free throws.
As they prepare for their upcoming game against Vanderbilt, the Gaels are relying on their senior trio to lead the team with their defensive prowess. They are aiming to shut down Vanderbilt’s high-scoring offense, which poses a challenge as the team averages 79.6 points per game. With a focus on sticking to their strengths and maintaining their defensive intensity, the Gaels are hoping to make a deep run in the tournament.
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