How far is Saint Mary’s predicted to go in March Madness? Some experts say very far

Aaron Tolentino
·2 min read

(KRON) — The first full day of March Madness is finally here! One Bay Area team, the Saint Mary’s Gaels, punched its ticket to the 2024 NCAA Tournament.

The Gaels, who hail out of University Credit Union Pavilion in Moraga, are the No. 5 seed in the West Region.

How deep will Saint Mary’s go in the tournament?

Several experts and those who cover college basketball have them going to the Final Four. Here are their Final Four picks.

  • Matt Norlander (CBS Sports): UConn, Saint Mary’s, Houston, Creighton

  • Dan Wolken (USA Today): UConn, Saint Mary’s, Houston, Creighton

  • Brian Hamilton (The Athletic): UConn, Saint Mary’s, Marquette, Purdue

  • Kyle Bonagura (ESPN): UConn, Saint Mary’s, Kentucky, Purdue

Luke Barrett #33 of the Saint Mary’s Gaels reacts in the final seconds of the championship game against the Gonzaga Bulldogs of the West Coast Conference basketball tournament at the Orleans Arena on March 12, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)
Luke Barrett #33 of the Saint Mary’s Gaels reacts in the final seconds of the championship game against the Gonzaga Bulldogs of the West Coast Conference basketball tournament at the Orleans Arena on March 12, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)

Although none of these pundits have the Gaels going any further, making the Final Four would be a historic accomplishment for the program. Saint Mary’s has never made it past the Sweet 16.

SMC’s first game of the one-and-done tournament will be on Friday with a 7:05 p.m. PT tipoff against Grand Canyon University. The game will be televised on truTV.

SMC Watch Parties Across U.S.

  • Chicago: Elephant & Castle

  • Denver: Homegrown Tap & Dough

  • Elk Grove: Dust Bowl Brewing (tentative)

  • Fort Worth/Dallas: BoomerJack’s (Grapevine, TX)

  • Moraga: The 1928 Pub and Dryden Hall

  • Fresno: Field House

  • Pleasanton: BottleTaps

  • Pismo Beach: Blast & Brew

  • Roseville: University of Beer

  • San Francisco: Underdogs Cantina

  • San Jose: The Office Bar & Lounge — Willow Glen

  • Seattle: Project 9 Brewing

  • Walnut Creek: The Greenery Restaurant & Sports Bar

More information can be found on Saint Mary’s website. You can RSVP for a spot at these establishments to cheer on the Gaels.

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