In a highly anticipated matchup, Saint Mary’s faced off against No. 2 Alabama in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Despite their best efforts, the Gaels were unable to pull off an upset and fell 80-66 to the Crimson Tide.
The game started off with both teams trading baskets, but it was clear from the beginning that Alabama was the stronger and more experienced team. Their size and athleticism proved to be a challenge for the Gaels, who were unable to keep up with the pace of the game.
Saint Mary’s put up a valiant effort, with senior guard Jordan Ford leading the team with 28 points. But it was not enough to overcome the dominant performance of Alabama’s star player, John Petty Jr., who scored 20 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.
Despite the loss, there were many positives to take away from Saint Mary’s performance. The team showed resilience and determination, never giving up even when they were down by double digits. They also displayed great teamwork and chemistry, with multiple players stepping up to contribute on both ends of the court.
One of the standout players for the Gaels was sophomore forward Matthias Tass, who had a career-high 16 points and 9 rebounds. His energy and intensity on the court were crucial in keeping the team in the game.
Head coach Randy Bennett praised his team’s effort, saying, “I am incredibly proud of these guys. They fought until the very end and never gave up. We knew it was going to be a tough game, but we gave it our all and that’s all I can ask for.”
This loss marks the end of an impressive season for Saint Mary’s, who finished with a 26-8 record and made it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive year. They also won the West Coast Conference Championship, solidifying their spot as one of the top teams in the conference.
The Gaels had their fair share of challenges this season, including a tough non-conference schedule and injuries to key players. But they persevered and continued to improve, ultimately earning a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
As the seniors on the team, Jordan Ford and Malik Fitts played their last game in a Saint Mary’s uniform. They leave behind a legacy of hard work, leadership, and dedication to the program.
Looking ahead, the future looks bright for Saint Mary’s basketball. With a strong core of young players, including Matthias Tass, Tommy Kuhse, and Dan Fotu, the team is poised to continue their success in the coming years.
While the loss to Alabama is a tough pill to swallow, the Gaels can hold their heads high knowing that they gave it their all and represented their school with pride. They have proven themselves to be a force to be reckoned with and have left a lasting impression on the NCAA Tournament.
In the end, Saint Mary’s may have fallen short against No. 2 Alabama, but they have shown that they are a team to be respected and feared. This loss will only fuel their determination to come back stronger and make an even deeper run in the tournament next year. The future is bright for Saint Mary’s basketball, and the entire Gael community is excited to see what they will accomplish in the years to come.
