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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Jan 21, 2017; Moraga, CA, USA; St. Mary's Gaels guard Joe Rahon (25) controls the ball against the Pepperdine Waves during the second half at McKeon Pavilion. St. Mary's defeated Pepperdine 85-65. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2017; Moraga, CA, USA; St. Mary’s Gaels guard Joe Rahon (25) controls the ball against the Pepperdine Waves during the second half at McKeon Pavilion. St. Mary’s defeated Pepperdine 85-65. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Efficiency

The Gaels may be a dominant force on defense, but their offense is one of the smartest and most efficient in the country. They are in the top 20 of the country for assists per game with 16.6 per game. The Gaels rank 4th in assist to turnover ratio, with a 1.58 difference.

They limit their turnovers to 10.5 per game, the 12th best in the country. They play unselfishly and try to get everyone involved.

By moving the ball around they get more open shots and convert 56.6 percent from two and 39.1 percent from three-point range. Both are in the top 25 of team percentages in the nation. The Gaels don’t shoot many three-pointers or free throws, but they make the most of their opportunities.

They convert a high percentage of both and usually put up a big lead at halftime. If they were in closer games they would probably be taking more of these shots, but the high-efficiency is a great sign for tournament time.