Sahman and the Gaels are burst their bubble Monday against the Zags. (Pic via rushthecourt.net)
Saint Mary’s entered Monday night’s West Coast Conference title game on the bubble for a second consecutive year. The Gaels won’t be have any anxious moments on Selection Sunday this year after a convincing win earned them an automatic bid to the Big Dance for the sixth time in school history.
The Gaels led by a single point at halftime but used a barrage of 3-pointers from Ben Allen and Tournament MVP Mickey McConnell to leave the Zags in the dust. When it was over, Saint Mary’s held a 51-33 scoring advantage in the second half.
Who needs Patty Mills?
Some NCAA Tournament prognosticators, including ESPN’s Joe Lunardi, already had the Gaels in the NCAA Tournament–but just barely.
Now that the Gaels are in the field, let’s take a closer look at their resume:
Saint Mary’s Gaels (26-5) WCC Tournament Champions
Quality wins: Gonzaga, San Diego State, Northeastern
Close Calls: Lost 72-70 to Vanderbilt early in the season
Projected Seed: 11
Key Players: Mickey McConnell and Omar Sahman provide a nice 1-2 punch. Sahman dominated the WCC in his senior season, averaging 21 points and 11 rebounds. McConnell shoots 51 percent from 3-point range and teams with Aussie Matthew Dellavedova to provide consistent perimeter scoring. Indiana transfer Ben Allen provides size and outside shooting to compliment Sahman’s game.
Analysis: Saint Mary’s has terrific size for a mid-major, with a much-improved Sahman anchoring the middle and flanked by 6-11 Ben Allen, and 6-7 swingman Clint Stiendl. The Gaels won’t be intimidated by size and have played in big games, so expect them to put up a fight no matter the opponent. Saint Mary’s could potentially struggle against quick, penetrating guards and needs Sahman to stay out of foul trouble.
Projection: Obviously difficult to forecast without knowing opponents or seeding, but Saint Mary’s is legit and could certainly win a game or two in the Big Dance.
