MORAGA, Calif. — Saint Mary's Men's Basketball started the first week of the season about as good as possible, winning all three games against quality mid-major programs. The Gaels are back in action for week two with two more home games, as they take on Southern University on Wednesday night and Hofstra on Saturday evening. Saturday is a great day to be on campus, as Saint Mary's welcomes the return of Homecoming to the college community.
 
THE DETAILS
Saint Mary's Gaels (3-0) vs. Southern Jaguars (0-2)
Wednesday, November 16 at 5:30 pm
University Credit Union Pavilion – Moraga, Calif.
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Saint Mary's Gaels vs. Hofstra Pride (3-0)
Saturday, November 19 at 5:30 pm
University Credit Union Pavilion – Moraga, Calif.
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LAST TIME OUT
The first week of the season was a success for the Gaels, as they beat Oral Roberts, Vermont, and North Texas in convincing fashion. Their win over Oral Roberts in the season opener saw the Gaels explode out of the gates, taking an 18-point lead into the break. They played much more complete games against Vermont and North Texas, winning by 26 and 30 points, respectively. The wins have elevated the Gaels from a 47^th ranking, according to KenPom before the season, to a 25^th ranking just three games in. Part of their success in the first week stems from taking care of the basketball, as the Gaels are averaging the eighth-fewest turnovers per game in the NCAA (8.3).
 
FIRST WEEKLY AWARD
On the strength of a massive first-game performance, Aidan Mahaney was named the WCC's Freshman of the Week award. In his first week, Mahaney scored 37 points (12.3 ppg), while shooting 9-18 from beyond the arc. He was a bit more quiet in the subsequent games following his debut, but his prolific three-point shooting has been on display, after knocking down 3-4 on Sunday night in the win over North Texas. Mahaney also compiled seven rebounds, five assists, and four steals. Since the award's creation, Mahaney is the second Gael to take home the award, joining Leemet Böckler (December 7, 2020).

HOMECOMING
Saturday marks Saint Mary's Homecoming 2022, a day filled with events all around campus. The official website of homecoming is https://www.stmarys-ca.edu/homecoming
 
ABOUT SOUTHERN
Don't let the 0-2 start fool you: Southern University can hang with quality programs. Their first two games of the season are indicative of that, with a 10-point loss to UNLV and a 17-point loss to No. 17 Arizona. Their most recent contest against Arizona actually saw them out-score the Wildcats 47-46 in the second half. Bryson Etienne has been a man on a mission through the first two games, averaging 21 points per game while shooting 47.4% from beyond the arc. Turnovers have plagued the Jaguars early, with 39 turnovers in just two games. One season ago, Southern went 17-14 while going 12-6 in the SWAC.
 
ABOUT HOFSTRA
The Pride are off to a perfect start like the Gaels, going 3-0 in the first eight days of the season, and they'll play at San Jose State before taking on the Gaels on Saturday. The offense has scored at least 83 points in all three wins (Princeton, Iona, and George Washington), and their three-point shooting has been off the charts. As a team, they are shooting 48.6% from three-point range, the eighth-best percentage from distance in the country. Their defense has been a concern, however, as opponents are shooting 50.3% from the field and averaging 78 points through three games. Aaron Estrada is on a tear to begin the year, averaging 23.3 points per game while shooting 57.4% from the field.
 
PREGAME PARTIES
There's no better place to gear up for a game than on our campus!
 
Before every home game, enjoy a Pregame Party on the newly-renovated terrace and turf lawn in front of UCU Pavilion. Festivities start 2 hours before tip-off. Fans of all ages will enjoy food and drink sales, including beer and wine. Play yard games and relax in the red and blue adirondack lawn chairs.  

At game time, you're just steps away from the best college hoops environment in California.
Also, The Pub is back! The 1928 Pub is open on gamedays starting two hours before tip-off and is located at Cassin Student Union, next to Dryden Hall. For more information, click HERE.
 
DIGITAL GAMEDAY PROGRAM
All Saint Mary's Men's Basketball gameday programs will be virtual during the 2022-23 season, and the first edition can be found HERE. In it, fans will find a season preview for the Gaels, player profiles, and information about the first five opponents on the opening homestand.
 
2022-23 YEARBOOK
The 2022-23 Saint Mary's Basketball Yearbook is available HERE. This contains all of your information on both Saint Mary's basketball programs, coach and player profiles, as well as Saint Mary's, administration, and fan information.