Saint Mary’s Vs. Louisiana Tech Preview

Gametime: 8:30 PM

Tv: Check smcgaels.com

Projected Starting Lineup for SMC: Holt, Walker III, Jackson, Levesque, Waldow

There have been many questions for the Gaels this offseason on who will be the leader of the team after losing Matthew Dellavedova. Saint Mary’s fans will get its first glimpse Friday night at 8:30pm when they face a talented and experienced Louisiana Tech.

The Bulldogs feature 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.

Louisiana Tech returns nine of their top ten scorers 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.

The Bulldogs are projected to win the WAC this season as they look to give the Gaels some trouble in Moraga.

Guard defense will be key for Saint Mary’s led by senior Stephen Holt. Other projected starters include James Walker, Garrett Jackson, Beau Levesque and Brad Waldow.