Saint Mary's CA at Utah State

After three straight NCAA Tournament appearances, the Aggies had to settle for the CIT last year. This is a program that has been strong over the years, but not as talented this season as they have been in the past. Utah State has a lot of talented newcomers that are going to have to get a feel for the game, and Stew Morrill is going to see where they best fit in. They don't have time for that, taking on an early-season, high-impact game vs. the likes of St. Mary's. St. Mary's has become the new kid on the block in the West Coast Conference, sweeping the regular season and conference championship titles last year from Gonzaga. The Gaels have a great backcourt and size up front to challenge the Bulldogs again, and at this stage of the season they have more answers than Utah State. St. Mary's is the pick.