MBK | Gaels Once Again Receive National ESPN Exposure
9/3/2015 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
SAN BRUNO, Calif. - As part of their long-term relationship, the West Coast Conference announced that a minimum of 35 men's basketball games involving WCC schools will air nationally on an ESPN network this season, including additional national exposure during the 2016 West Coast Conference Basketball Championship in Las Vegas.
The nationally-prominent Saint Mary's men's basketball program could enjoy as many as eight appearances on an ESPN network, including four games in front of the spirited Gael Force at the traditionally raucous McKeon Pavilion.
Season tickets are currently on sale by calling the SMC Athletic Ticket Office at (925) 631-GoTx (4689) or by visiting the tickets link on SMCGaels.com. Single game and special package tickets are expected to go on sale soon.
The West Coast Conference will once again be a part of ESPN's Thursday night and Saturday coverage. In all, 17 conference games will be showcased on ESPN, ESPN2, or ESPNU in 2015-16. West Coast Conference basketball will be featured on ESPN's popular Championship Week coverage in 2016, with five live telecasts from Las Vegas: two quarterfinal games (Saturday, March 5, ESPN2), the WCC semifinals (Monday, March 7, ESPN and ESPN2) and the championship game on Tuesday, March 8 (ESPN).
McKeon Pavilion will take center stage in a highly anticipated early season matchup featuring the Gaels hosting Bay Area rival Stanford in an 8 p.m. ESPNU contest on Nov. 22.
Saint Mary's will close out the network's 2015 college basketball coverage with a ball-dropping New Year's Eve showdown against WCC rival BYU at 8 p.m. on ESPNU.
On Jan. 14, Saint Mary's will host travel partner Pacific in the Gaels' third ESPNU appearance in another 8 p.m. tipoff. The final ESPNU home appearance will take place on Jan. 21 at 8 p.m. against Gonzaga with the re-match taking place in Spokane on Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. on ESPN2.
A young, but accomplished Saint Mary's team returns five letterwinners to a Gaels program that is coming its eighth straight postseason appearance.
In the last decade under Head Coach Randy Bennett the Gaels have the highest winning percentage among Division I programs in the state of California and own the second-longest streak of postseason appearances ever among WCC programs.
By far the winningest coach in SMC history, Bennett has produced numerous professional players including NBA guards Matthew Dellavedova and Patrick Mills. Last season, more than 20 former SMC players continued their active careers on professional teams throughout the world.
FOLLOW ALONG
For up-to-date news, photos, videos and other features you can follow Saint Mary's College varsity athletic teams on Twitter (@SMCGaels), Instagram (@SMCGaels) and Facebook Facebook.com/SMCGaels. You can also watch great video on-demand highlights and features as well as most Gaels sporting events live via GaelVision on SMCGaels.com.
SUPPORT THE GAELS
A gift to the Gael Athletic Fund directly benefits Saint Mary's student-athletes. This allows them the opportunity to attain an education guided by our Catholic, Lasallian and Liberal Arts traditions while participating in a competitive athletic experience. Monies raised through the Fund will assist in funding scholarships, facilities, operating budgets and academic support.
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MBB | Liam Campbell, Joshua Dent and Randy Bennett Postgame Interview vs Texas A&M, 3-19-26, presented by University Credit Union
Thursday, March 19
MBB | Harry Wessels, Joshua Dent and Rory Hawke Featured on ESPN Australia
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