MBB | Gaels Announced in Continental Tire Main Event Field
6/26/2023 10:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
LAS VEGAS — Saint Mary's men's basketball is adding onto its projected non-conference schedule with a high-profile tournament in Las Vegas. Announced on Monday was the field for the 2023 Continental Tire Main Event, which features four top-flight programs in the NCAA, including Saint Mary's. The event takes place at T-Mobile Arena on the Las Vegas Strip and will take place on November 17 and 19.
Last year, Virginia beat Illinois in the title game to claim the championship belt for the event. The last three winners of the multi-team event have been a "who's who" of college basketball, with Arizona and Baylor joining the Cavaliers as recent champions. All four games will be televised on the ESPN family of networks.
The four-team field is stacked with top competition, highlighted by the reigning national runner-up in San Diego State. The Aztecs were a five-seed in last year's NCAA Tournament, like the Gaels, but made a seemingly improbable run to the national championship game, where they lost to UConn. Saint Mary's has played San Diego State each of the last three seasons on a neutral floor, including last year, where the Gaels beat the eventual national finalists 68-61 in Phoenix.
Looking ahead to next season, Xavier figures to be up there with Saint Mary's and San Diego State as an elite program in the field. Coached by Sean Miller, the Musketeers made it to the Sweet 16 last season before getting knocked out by Texas. They finished last year with a lot of similar metrics to the Gaels, as both teams won 27 games, and both were ranked inside the top-15 according to KenPom. A major feather in their cap last season came in Big East play, when they beat the eventual national champions twice.
Washington could be a dark-horse in the tournament field, as they are capable of playing up to quality opponents. Take last year's Wooden Legacy Classic finale, where they beat Saint Mary's in overtime to claim the title. Washington runs a zone defense that forced the Gaels into a heavy dosage of three-point attempts, but it also caused a high number of turnovers. The Huskies finished the season 16-16 and went 8-12 in Pac-12 play.
#GaelsRise — There's no place like University Credit Union Pavilion for Gaels Basketball. Place your deposit for season tickets now to experience all of the action for the 2023-24 Men's Basketball season.
Last year, Virginia beat Illinois in the title game to claim the championship belt for the event. The last three winners of the multi-team event have been a "who's who" of college basketball, with Arizona and Baylor joining the Cavaliers as recent champions. All four games will be televised on the ESPN family of networks.
The four-team field is stacked with top competition, highlighted by the reigning national runner-up in San Diego State. The Aztecs were a five-seed in last year's NCAA Tournament, like the Gaels, but made a seemingly improbable run to the national championship game, where they lost to UConn. Saint Mary's has played San Diego State each of the last three seasons on a neutral floor, including last year, where the Gaels beat the eventual national finalists 68-61 in Phoenix.
Looking ahead to next season, Xavier figures to be up there with Saint Mary's and San Diego State as an elite program in the field. Coached by Sean Miller, the Musketeers made it to the Sweet 16 last season before getting knocked out by Texas. They finished last year with a lot of similar metrics to the Gaels, as both teams won 27 games, and both were ranked inside the top-15 according to KenPom. A major feather in their cap last season came in Big East play, when they beat the eventual national champions twice.
Washington could be a dark-horse in the tournament field, as they are capable of playing up to quality opponents. Take last year's Wooden Legacy Classic finale, where they beat Saint Mary's in overtime to claim the title. Washington runs a zone defense that forced the Gaels into a heavy dosage of three-point attempts, but it also caused a high number of turnovers. The Huskies finished the season 16-16 and went 8-12 in Pac-12 play.
#GaelsRise — There's no place like University Credit Union Pavilion for Gaels Basketball. Place your deposit for season tickets now to experience all of the action for the 2023-24 Men's Basketball season.
MBB | Highlights vs. Vanderbilt, 11-28-25
Friday, November 28
MBB | Randy Bennett Postgame vs. Vanderbilt, 11-28-25, Presented by University Credit Union
Friday, November 28
MBB | Highlights vs. Virginia Tech, 11-27-25
Thursday, November 27
MBB | Randy Bennett and Andrew McKeever Postgame vs. Virginia Tech, 11-27-25, presented by University Credit Union
Thursday, November 27
