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NCAA Basketball: Ranking the most thrilling teams to watch in the country

By Carmine Carcieri

Dec 14, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) looks on in the second half against the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos at Pauley Pavilion. UCLA won 102-62. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) looks on in the second half against the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos at Pauley Pavilion. UCLA won 102-62. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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December 8, 2016; Moraga, CA, USA; Saint Mary’s Gaels head coach Randy Bennett during the second half against the UT Arlington Mavericks at McKeon Pavilion. The Mavericks defeated the Gaels 65-51. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
December 8, 2016; Moraga, CA, USA; Saint Mary’s Gaels head coach Randy Bennett during the second half against the UT Arlington Mavericks at McKeon Pavilion. The Mavericks defeated the Gaels 65-51. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Saint Mary’s Gaels

I get it: Us east coasters are unable to stay up until 1 AM, especially on week nights with work the next day.

But Saint Mary’s efficiency, precision and excellence is off-the-charts good.

The Gaels are shooting 50 percent from the field as a team, 77 percent from the free throw line and 39 percent from beyond the arc. They dish out 17 assists per game and only turn the ball over 11 times per game.

Beyond sophomore Evan Fitzner, the rest of their starting lineup boasts either juniors or seniors, making them one of the more experienced teams in the country.

Also, Jock Landale has become one of the most improved players in the entire nation. Landale is averaging 17.9 points and 9.5 rebounds per game, while blocking 1.1 shots per night. He is shooting 64 percent from the field and is even nailing 33 percent of his threes.

If you want to see a team create offense with their unselfishness, Saint Mary’s is the perfect team to watch. And you’ll want to tune in when the Gaels take on a potentially undefeated Gonzaga team on January 14.

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