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St. Mary's Gaels WCC 19-3 19 100
Comment: The Gaels' exhausting victory over conference arch-rival Gonzaga in overtime on Monday should finally garner the respect they so richly deserve from the basketball masses. Fifth-year senior Todd Golden was a perfect 6-for-6 from long-range. School blocks record holder Diamon Simpson posted his 12th double-double of the year. And underrated center Omar Samhan scored 11-plus points in his fifth straight game. More than a team comprised of Bloomin' Onions, Patty Mills and key role player Lucas Walker, the Gaels showcased their depth, versatility and scoring balance playing in front of a national television audience. On the year, St. Mary's is not only effective offensively – it ranks 19th nationally in two-point field-goal percentage – its also astute defensively, holding opponents to just 30.0 percent from long distance. Probably its most unheralded attribute is that it can execute offensively, regardless if the tempo is dizzying or dawdling, which will be very useful in tournament play. With six RPI top 60 victories, including a six-point upending of Drake, the Bulldogs only loss, in November, St. Mary's is without question better than their No. 25 AP ranking. The Selection Committee will likely label them a five or six seed, which is fair. But, make no mistake; this is a squad that possesses the characteristics of a bracket wrecking ball.
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