Saint Mary’s Basketball: 2019-20 keys to matchup against Arizona State

HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT - MARCH 21: Jordan Ford #3 and Tanner Krebs #0 of the Saint Mary's Gaels react after being defeated by the Villanova Wildcats during the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at XL Center on March 21, 2019 in Hartford, Connecticut. Villanova defeated Saint Mary's 61-57. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

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MORAGA, CA – MARCH 02: Matthias Tass #11 of the Saint Mary’s Gaels (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

2. The Gaels need to work it to the big men

In their deliberate offense, Saint Mary’s will need to work the ball into the big men inside. Arizona State fields a fairly small lineup. The only player over 6’5 getting significant minutes has been 6’8 junior post player Romello White.

On the other hand, the Gaels line up 6’8 redshirt junior Malik Fitts (15.6 ppg, 7.7 rpg) and 6’10 sophomore Matthias Tass (6.5 ppg, 3.8 rpg). Fitts can utilize his quickness inside and has a soft enough touch to do some damage from three-point range, sometimes even a deep three. He’s been hitting threes at a 45.1% clip (21 for 48).

Tass, from Estonia, is still a work in progress. He is averaging 23 minutes of play and Bennett hopes he will continue to develop as the season wears on. However, he may be able to exploit the Sun Devils’ lack of size in this one.

In addition to Fitts and Tass, St Mary’s can bring in 7’3, 265 lbs, redshirt senior Aaron Menzies for good measure. Menzies is averaging 3.6 ppg and 2.0 rpg in just 6.5 minutes of play. With this distinct height advantage, the Gaels should be able to clean the glass easily on the defensive end.