MBB | Gaels Down Under: Day 1
8/11/2026 4:16:00 AM | Men's Basketball
SYDNEY, Australia – After two weeks of training, and open practice First Look for fans, and 10 official practice days under their belt, the Saint Mary's men's basketball team has finally arrived in Sydney for the first leg of their foreign tour.
The Gaels left San Francisco on Sunday, Aug. 9 and arrived in Sydney early Tuesday morning on Aug. 12, following a 14-hour flight.
Saint Mary's will spend a total of four days in Sydney, with the first two days getting adjusted to the travel, before playing its first game on Thursday, Aug. 13 against the Illawarra Hawks.
The first stop in Sydney was at Newington College, where the Gaels were able to stretch their legs after the long flight. The team went through some light drills and got the blood flowing early in the morning, before heading around the city for some sight-seeing.
After getting some shots up, the Gaels headed to Bondi Beach to get some lunch and enjoy a clear day oceanside. Some of the Gaels were brave enough to cool off in the Pacific Ocean during a mid-winter day in Sydney.
The evening wrapped up with a view from atop the Sydney Eye Tower, over 1,000-feet above the cityscape, and a team dinner along the Rocks near the harbor.
With a large newcomer group added to the roster this year, the chance to spend a trip abroad together has been perfect to instantly build chemistry and get to know each other on a deeper level. Luckily for the Gaels, there are four Australian's on the roster who have been able to assist in the sight-seeing.
SAINT MARY'S DOWN UNDER GAME SCHEDULE
Thursday, Aug. 13 - 7 p.m. vs. Illawarra Hawks
Friday, Aug. 14 - 10:30 a.m. vs. Sydney Kings
Sunday, Aug. 16 - 1 p.m. vs. SE Melbourne Phoenix
Monday, Aug. 17 - 6:30 p.m. vs. Dandedong Rangers
Wednesday, Aug. 19 - 6:30 p.m. vs. Cairns Taipans
(All times Australian Standard Time)
#GaelsDownUnder
Wednesday, March 25
Wednesday, March 25
Thursday, March 19
Wednesday, March 18
