WCC Power Rankings: February 17th

3. Saint Mary’s

On Feb. 4th: 4 (Up 1 spot)

Record: 19-8 (9-5)

RPI: 53

KenPom: 65

Place in Conf. Standings: 3

Last Week: W vs. USD (69-57), L vs. BYU (57-60)

By Simon Tryzna

Blowing a 14 point lead at home against BYU prevented the Gaels from being in second place in the standings. What’s more damaging, is that this was yet another close loss for Saint Mary’s. Had a few more games gone their way this year, the Gaels could still be in the bubble picture. As it stands now, Saint Mary’s only shot of getting into the Big Dance is by winning the WCC tournament, something that they have the ability to do.

The Gaels have four games to prepare for a March Madness run and they need to work on protecting leads. One of the biggest issues is that when the opponents go on a run, there is a lack of that “it” play on the offensive end that slows the opposing team’s momentum and allows the Gaels to regain their composure and to rebuild their lead. All the talk of Saint Mary’s bouncing back is over. If blowing a fourteen point lead on home court and having an opposing player mock your team to the student section doesn’t spark a fire, then it will be a shame to see such a talented team waste what was once a promising season. How the Gaels respond on the road against USF and SCU will be telling of their post-season aspirations. This team is better than their record and it is on them to prove that.