Busting Brackets
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Saint Mary’s basketball: Five reasons the Gaels can make a run in March

By Brock Zimmermann

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 /
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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 /

5. Head Coach Randy Bennett

The veteran coach is in his 16th season with the Gaels and entered this year with a 336-153 record. He has over 30 years of coaching experience at the division-I level, gaining a wealth of in-game and recruiting experience.

He has built a consistent Saint Mary’s basketball program, winning 20 or more games every year since the 2007-08 season. Additionally his teams have won 25 or more games eight times during his tenure and will likely happen again this year.

He quickly rebuilt the Gaels program defensively, and has coached the WCC defensive player of the year four times. In addition he has coached 26 all-WCC players from Saint Mary’s.

He’s a three-time WCC coach of the year and has guided the Gaels to four tournament appearances. Saint Mary’s has three regular season and two conference titles under his leadership. He led the team to its second Sweet 16 appearance in 2010, the Gaels first in 51 years.

He’s the second longest tenured coach in the conference and has the most coaching wins in program history.