Saint Mary’s Gaels Continue to Roll, Defeat Denver

All of the WCC has revolved around Gonzaga thus far this season – and BYU to a certain extent, but it might be time to give the Saint Mary’s Gaels a closer look.

Saint Mary’s defeated Denver this evening, winning by a score of 78-62.

The Gaels were neck and neck with DU at the three minute mark of the first half, leading the Pioneers by only two points (26-24). An 8-2 SMC run to end the half put the Gaels in great position to take control of the game, which they did in the second half.

Brad Waldow was dynamite in the victory, scoring 26 points on 12 of 14 shooting and corralling seven rebounds. Kerry Carter and Aaron Bright have proved to be dynamic backcourt mates, and the duo scored 16 and 13 points respectively in the win. Freshman Emmett Naar, a surprise starter for the Gaels, tallied 10 assists. Washington transfer Desmond Simmons accumulated a game-high four steals.

For Denver, Cam Griffin was their do-it-all type player, leading the team in points (19), rebounds (8) and assists (5). Brett Olson and Daniel Amigo finished in double-figures with 10 points apiece.

Three Takeaways from the start of the season

– Emmett Gnar

What a surprise the redshirt freshman has been this season. Although he is not a big-time scorer, Naar is a fantastic distributor, averaging six assists per game for the Gaels this season. With his passing ability, and Bright and Carter’s ability to score, the Gaels have a very well-rounded, sound backcourt.

– Gaels guard scoring tandem appears to be bright

Pun-aside, the Gaels will be tough to stop with Kerry Carter and Aaron Bright on the floor at the same time. Both have shown they can drive and shoot well, and both have shown the willingness to defend.

Not to mention, Bright and Carter each possess a great deal of swagger and look to be the team’s proverbial leaders early on.

– What’s up with Coleman and Hermanson

Calvin Hermanson and Joe Coleman, two players who were expected to be major contributors – even starters – for the Gaels this season, have either not played or played sparingly thus far.

Write as I am typing this, I saw a tweet from journalist Steve Kroner saying Coleman was out with a leg injury and is expected to return next week. As for Hermanson, it appears Bennett has elected to play other guards/wings over the Lake Oswego, Oregon product, although only time will tell.