The boys from Moraga, California, known as the Saint Mary’s Gaels, head into the 2025-26 college basketball season with their usual mix of confidence and purpose. Head coach Randy Bennett enters his 25th season leading the program, and once again, expectations are high.
The Gaels are seeking their fifth straight NCAA Tournament berth, but before they get there, they face a non-conference schedule that mixes travel, new opponents, and several programs looking to take their shot at one of the nation’s most consistent winners.
Monday, November 3 – vs. St. Thomas
Saint Mary’s opens the season at home against the Tommies, a young program hoping to find its footing in Division I. This should be a good first test for the Gaels to shake off rust and establish their defensive rhythm.
Friday, November 7 – vs. Chattanooga
The Mocs bring speed and athleticism to Moraga. While they can make things interesting early, Saint Mary’s depth and half-court precision should allow them to pull away as the night goes on.
Tuesday, November 11 – vs. Ohio
A midwestern visitor comes west as the Bobcats play in Moraga for the first time since 2007. Saint Mary’s won that matchup and should be favored again behind its balanced attack and home-court advantage.
Friday, November 14 – vs. North Texas
The Mean Green’s physical defense and slow pace make this a grind-it-out type of game. It’s an ideal early-season matchup for the Gaels to test their offensive patience and interior play.
Wednesday, November 19 – vs. Arkansas State
The Red Wolves travel west to face one of the most disciplined programs in college basketball. Expect Saint Mary’s to use this game to fine-tune its bench rotation.
Saturday, November 22 – vs. UC Merced
The final tune-up before the holiday trip. Expect plenty of minutes for the younger players as the Gaels look to stay healthy ahead of tougher competition.
Wednesday, November 26 – vs. Wichita State (Bahamas)
Saint Mary’s heads to the Bahamas to take on Wichita State for the first time in program history. It’s a rare meeting between two successful mid-major programs known for toughness and smart basketball.
Thursday, November 27 – vs. Virginia Tech or Colorado State (Bahamas)
The Gaels will see either an ACC opponent or one of the Mountain West’s top programs. Both bring experience and length, offering valuable tournament-style preparation.
Friday, November 28 – vs. TBA (Bahamas)
The final day in the Bahamas wraps up three straight days of competition. Regardless of opponent, the experience against quality programs will help shape Saint Mary’s early résumé.
Sunday, December 7 – at Davidson
A tough road environment awaits against a disciplined Wildcats team. Saint Mary’s leads the all-time series 2-0 and will look to stay perfect in this East Coast challenge. The Gaels will not have to see Steph Curry playing for the Wildcats, but still should have plenty of athletes.
Sunday, December 14 – at Boise State
The Broncos are eager to prove themselves after missing last year’s NCAA Tournament. This matchup has all the makings of a tight, physical contest between two well-coached squads.
Friday, December 19 – vs. Florida Atlantic
A few seasons ago, FAU shocked the nation with a Final Four run. They remain dangerous, but the long flight to California gives Saint Mary’s an edge in this marquee December matchup.
Monday, December 22 – vs. Northern Iowa
The Gaels close non-conference play at home against a respected Missouri Valley opponent. The teams last met in 2020, when Saint Mary’s edged UNI by two points. Expect another close, competitive game to finish the calendar year.
Consistent Contender Looking For The Next Step
With experience at nearly every position and Bennett’s trademark defensive structure, Saint Mary’s has a chance to once again win 25 or more games. That would make it five straight years at that mark, continuing one of the most stable runs in college basketball. The program hasn’t reached the Sweet 16 since 2010, but the 2025-26 group feels deep enough to make that happen if they handle this balanced non-conference slate.