SMC Basketball: Gaels host Broncos Thursday in Final Game Without Head Coach

Thursday’s matchup between Saint Mary’s (12-4) and Santa Clara (9-8) will serve as the last game without head coach for the Gaels who host their first West Coast Conference game of 2014. The Gaels won two of their first three WCC games, with the only loss coming at Gonzaga.

Saint Mary’s played their final non-conference game against William Jessup on Monday night in an 84-46 rout. Kerry Carter, who continues to be the x-factor for Saint Mary’s this season had a career high 19 points in the game with leading guard Stephen Holt getting the night off to rest up for Thursdays game.

The Gaels have not played well in recent games, but all off their blemishes have come on the road and Thursday’s game starts a crucial five-game home stretch for Saint Mary’s where they cannot afford to drop a game considering how poorly they have played away from McKeon Pavilion.

9-0 is the record for Saint Mary’s at home with only one game finishing in single digit margin when the Gaels fought for a 67-63 win over Drake on November 16.

Center Brad Waldow remains the leading scorer for Saint Mary’s at 15.5 points per game but has had recent struggles, as he has not eclipsed over 15 points his last five games. Point guard Stephen Holt is coming off a solid night in his homecoming against Portland where he had 19 points in front of numerous friends and family.

Santa Clara is coming off a 86-81 overtime home win against LMU, where freshman Jared Brownridge scored a career high 29 points. Brownridge has filled the loss of Kevin Foster very nice this season as he has averaged over 15 points per game while shooting 46% from three-point range.

The key matchup for the game will be guard play as the Gaels will have their hands full against Brandon Clark (17ppg), Brownridge (15ppg) and Evan Roquemore (12ppg). The Bronco trio all shoot above 37% from three point range so guarding the three point line will be the key, something the Gaels have done very well at home this year.

With the lack of interior play for the Broncos, Saint Mary’s will need to establish Waldow and get him back on track scoring wise in this home stand.