NCAA Basketball: Texas, Virginia soar on top 25 ranking ahead of Thanksgiving

24. Saint Mary’s (5-0)

They’ve always been second (or third) fiddle to Gonzaga in the WCC, but there are no complaints about Saint Mary’s. The Gaels have been a prolific program and are certainly proving that early this season. This looked like another year where Gonzaga would run away with the WCC, especially with BYU having some issues early, but these first two weeks have shown us a lot of good things at Saint Mary’s

After an opening week that included wins over Oral Roberts, Vermont, and North Texas, three pretty solid mid-major programs, the Gales got a 72-54 win over Southern this past Wednesday. Mitchell Saxen led the way with 17 points and 9 rebounds. Three days later, the Gaels got a fifth-straight win with a 76-48 victory over previously-unbeaten Hofstra at home. Alex Ducas had 20 points while Saxen had a double-double with a solid 15-point, 12-rebound performance.

After these first two weeks we’re certainly looking closer at what these Gaels have accomplished. While the Gaels haven’t exactly been tested (they’ve yet to leave Moraga), they’ve won with some impressive performances after a handful of decent teams. The defense has been dynamic, giving up just 33 points last weekend to North Texas) and the offense has done enough to win these games, with very efficient shooting from long range. They’ll be heading to the Wooden Legacy in Anaheim and will certainly face their fair share of challenges, starting with Vanderbilt on Wednesday night.