WCC Power Rankings, January 13th
By Josh Horton
2. Saint Mary’s
Ranking Before Conf. Play Began: 4
Record: 13-5 (3-2)
RPI: 59
KenPom: 53
Place in Conf. Standings: 4
The suspension of Randy Bennett came at a wrong time for the Gaels as some of the problems that haunted them in the Diamond Head Classic were not fixed at the start of WCC play which resulted in a 2-2 start, with a blowout loss at Gonzaga and a heartbreaking loss at home to Santa Clara.
Things could have been worse had the Gaels not been able to pick up crucial road victories at Pacific and Portland. With Randy Bennett back on the sidelines, the Gaels took on a hot USF team and built up a 20 point lead before cruising to a 88-73 win.
Saint Mary’s next has a week to improve before facing Pacific in an early season rematch. If the Gaels can play at the same level as they did before heading to Hawaii, and they played at that level Saturday, then there is no reason why they can’t win WCC in 2014.
By Simon Tryzna