Saint Mary’s non-conference schedule breakdown

The Saint Mary’s Gaels have released their 2013 non-conference schedule, which features many mid-major powers including home games against Louisiana Tech (Nov. 8), Akron (Nov. 12), North Dakota State (Nov. 14), Murray State (Nov. 30) and a road game against Boise State (Dec. 14). The Gaels will also participate in the 2013 Hawaiian Airlines Office Solutions Classic just before Christmas where they have a first round matchup against South Carolina.

Key Games:

November 8: The first home game against Louisiana Tech features a team that went 27-7 and were WAC regular season co-champions but lost in the second round of the NIT against Southern Mississippi on the road. They narrowly missed the NCAA Tournament after losing their last two regular season conference games and then were a one and done in the conference tournament. The Bulldogs return most of their key players from last season including leading scorers Raheem Appleby (15ppg) and Cordarius Johnson (8ppg). The Gaels backcourt will also have their hands full with guard Kenneth Smith who averaged 7 points and 5 assists last season.

November 12: Akron will go to Moraga to face the Gaels at midnight for the ESPN 24 hour Tip-Off Marathon. The Zips won the MAC Tournament title and earned the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament where they lost to VCU in their first game. They finished with a record of 26-7 least season, but did lose leading scorer Zeke Marshall to graduation. Forward Demetrius Treadwell will be their key player. He averaged 11.5 points per game last season to go along with 8 rebounds.

November 14: North Dakota State is not usually a name that jumps out for college basketball, but last season had a quiet 24 wins before their first round exit in the CBI. The Bison will be a tough test as they return a trio of forwards who were their leading scorers from last season which include, 6’7’’ Taylor Braun (15.7ppg), 6’8’’ Marshall Bjorklund (11.5ppg and 6rpg), and 6’7’’ Trayvonn Wright (10.3ppg and 6rpg).

December 14: The toughest test for Saint Mary’s will be a true road game against Boise State who went 21-11 last season and the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The Broncos return their top three players from last season including G-F Anthony Drmic (17.7 ppg), guard Derrick Marks (16.3ppg and 4 assists), and forward Ryan Watkins (8.4ppg and 6.8rpg). It will up to the Gael guards to keep up the intensity with the high scoring backcourt of Boise State.

Dec. 22-25: The Gaels will travel to Hawaii where they will first face South Carolina in the Diamondhead Classic. The field also includes: Boise State, Hawaii, Akron, Oregon State, George Mason and Iowa State.

Full Non-Conference Schedule: (Times TBA)

Nov. 8: Louisiana Tech
Nov. 12: Akron
Nov. 14: North Dakota State
Nov. 16: Drake
Nov. 24: Alcorn State
Nov. 30: Murray State
Dec. 8: Eastern Washington
Dec. 14: at Boise State
Dec. 19: American
Dec. 22: South Carolina
Dec. 23: TBD (Boise State/Hawaii)
Dec. 25: TBD (Iowa State/George Mason/Oregon State/Akron)