Saint Mary’s College of California will open the 2026-27 men’s basketball season with a two-game homestand at University Credit Union Pavilion in Moraga, Calif. The Gaels are scheduled to host Illinois State on November 2, followed by North Dakota State on November 4. These contests mark the first of head coach Mickey McConnell’s tenure at Saint Mary’s.
McConnell, a former player and assistant coach for the Gaels, steps into his first season aiming to continue the program’s strong home performance. Saint Mary’s currently holds the fourth longest home winning streak in the nation, with 26 consecutive victories at UCU Pavilion dating back to December 2024. The streak includes an unblemished 18-0 record in home West Coast Conference games and notable wins over Gonzaga. The team also strives for a sixth straight home opener win, a streak that began in the 2019-20 season.
The roster will be led by returning preseason All-WCC guard Joshua Dent and veteran wings Kevin Gad, Rory Hawke, and Mantas Juzenas. The Gaels have added 10 newcomers consisting of five transfers with Division I experience, four freshmen including Darius Bivins, the program’s first McDonald’s All-American, and one former G-League player. Transfer players such as Vangelis Zougris from Louisville join the squad to provide additional depth and experience.
The Illinois State Redbirds, under fifth-year head coach Ryan Pedon, finished last season with a 23-13 record and advanced to the National Invitation Tournament semifinals. The North Dakota State Bison, led by 13th-year coach David Richman, also qualified for the NCAA Tournament last season and are projected to repeat as Summit League champions. These early-season matchups present significant challenges for the Gaels as they begin Coach McConnell’s tenure.
CSB Take
The beginning of Mickey McConnell’s head coaching career at Saint Mary’s coincides with the program’s notable home winning momentum and experienced returning players, setting a promising foundation for the season. Sustaining the 26-game home winning streak demonstrates the Gaels’ consistency and competitive strength. Successfully integrating a sizable group of newcomers will be crucial for establishing team chemistry and maintaining Saint Mary’s competitiveness in the rigorous West Coast Conference. Early tests against proven programs Illinois State and North Dakota State will provide insights into the team’s potential for the 2026-27 season.
Source: Original report
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