Photo by: SMC Athletics / Emily Smith
MBB | Gaels Prep for Round One
3/21/2024 10:32:00 PM | Men's Basketball
SPOKANE, Wash. — The stage is set for the Gaels first round matchup of the NCAA Tournament against Grand Canyon. The 5-12 matchup is slated to start at 7:05 PM on Friday, March 22 at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena. On gameday eve, the Gaels took the chance to address the media and to get an open practice session in front of their fans. Here's what shook out on the Gaels first full day in Spokane.
AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE
Aidan Mahaney, Alex Ducas and Mitchell Saxen were the first to field questions from members of the media. Here's what the Gaels player trio had to say:
"It'll be nice to be in Spokane and not think about the Zags for once, but we're super excited and super prepared as a group and we're ready to get into it!...Credit tour coaches and staff, they lay out a game plan for us and we go out there and get it done. " – Alex Ducas
"It's good to be back in Spokane. We left here on a happy note last time, and we hope to do the same this time…We've got a lot of guys who like playing in hostile environments and I don't think that's the case for a lot of teams…For me playing on the road fires me up a bit more, so I like playing on the road." – Aidan Mahaney
"We've got a lot of good memories here and we are looking forward to making some more…The WCC has a lot of great fan bases and we support each other. We know Grand Canyon is shipping up a lot fans here so we expect a great environment" – Mitchell Saxen
Next up, Head Coach Randy Bennett took the podium. Here's what he had to say:
"Anytime you make it to this tournament it's been a great year, and that's how I feel right now. It wasn't an easy route, we got off to a rough start, but these guys improved a lot and played extremely well the last half of the year and then some. We're excited to be here, we're playing against a good team. We're pretty familiar with Grand Canyon and they've been to the NCAA Tournament three of the last four years, so they know what they're doing too. Bryce Drew is a good coach and he's done a great job there. This should be a good, tough game." – Head Coach Randy Bennett
AT PRACTICE
The Gaels looked equal parts excited and focussed on the task at hand. Having not played since Tuesday, March 12, when they knocked off Gonzaga for the WCC Tournament Title, practice was full of energy from a group that looked well rested and ready to take the court tomorrow evening. Adding to the energy of practice was a strong showing of Gaels fans and the Saint Mary's Sports Band and Spirit Squad making the SMC squad feel right at home. One thing is for sure, this team is ready to play on Friday night!
#GaelsRise
AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE
Aidan Mahaney, Alex Ducas and Mitchell Saxen were the first to field questions from members of the media. Here's what the Gaels player trio had to say:
"It'll be nice to be in Spokane and not think about the Zags for once, but we're super excited and super prepared as a group and we're ready to get into it!...Credit tour coaches and staff, they lay out a game plan for us and we go out there and get it done. " – Alex Ducas
"It's good to be back in Spokane. We left here on a happy note last time, and we hope to do the same this time…We've got a lot of guys who like playing in hostile environments and I don't think that's the case for a lot of teams…For me playing on the road fires me up a bit more, so I like playing on the road." – Aidan Mahaney
"We've got a lot of good memories here and we are looking forward to making some more…The WCC has a lot of great fan bases and we support each other. We know Grand Canyon is shipping up a lot fans here so we expect a great environment" – Mitchell Saxen
Next up, Head Coach Randy Bennett took the podium. Here's what he had to say:
"Anytime you make it to this tournament it's been a great year, and that's how I feel right now. It wasn't an easy route, we got off to a rough start, but these guys improved a lot and played extremely well the last half of the year and then some. We're excited to be here, we're playing against a good team. We're pretty familiar with Grand Canyon and they've been to the NCAA Tournament three of the last four years, so they know what they're doing too. Bryce Drew is a good coach and he's done a great job there. This should be a good, tough game." – Head Coach Randy Bennett
AT PRACTICE
The Gaels looked equal parts excited and focussed on the task at hand. Having not played since Tuesday, March 12, when they knocked off Gonzaga for the WCC Tournament Title, practice was full of energy from a group that looked well rested and ready to take the court tomorrow evening. Adding to the energy of practice was a strong showing of Gaels fans and the Saint Mary's Sports Band and Spirit Squad making the SMC squad feel right at home. One thing is for sure, this team is ready to play on Friday night!
#GaelsRise
Players Mentioned
G/F
/ Men's BasketballG
/ Men's BasketballC
/ Men's BasketballMBB | Media Day Live Show
Friday, October 24
MBB | Highlights at Arizona (EXHIB), 10-18-25
Saturday, October 18
MBB | SMC vs. Vanderbilt NCAA First Round Postgame Interview
Saturday, March 22
MBB | SMC vs. Gonzaga 2025 WCC Finals Postgame Interview
Wednesday, March 12
