Does everyone remember Bracketbusters? That almost seems so long ago. While it was only a couple years ago, the Bracketbusters really could be forgettable to a lot of Creighton fans. Loyola anyone? That return game is still yet to be playcd in Chicago.
Creighton’s last season the Valley was also the last season that Bracketbusters took place. The Bluejays were matched up with St. Mary’s in Morega, California two years ago for the event and at the time, was the biggest opportunity for them to build their resume down the stretch. Unfortunately for Creighton, they were totally outmanned and the following day’s Morning Recap showed that game didn’t do the Jays any favors heading down the stretch. Fortunately Creighton had a second wind and rebounded nicely from this loss to propel them into their final days in the MVC and an eventual automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament winning Arch Madness.
The return game from Bracketbusters takes place on Saturday afternoon when the Gaels come to town for a big game at the CenturyLink Center. There has been a lot going on with the St. Mary’s program over he past couple of seasons. To get us all caught up, we got in touch with Michael Vernetti, the West Coast Conference expert for Rush the Court, and an all around knowledgeable guy about St. Mary’s. Here is what he had to say before Saturday afternoon’s 1PM tip.
White & Blue Review: What kind of expectations are there for St. Mary’s this season? Are things heading in the right direction for the program?
Michael Vernetti: SMC expectations are to win at least 25 games and get back to the NCAA tournament. Last season marked the first time in five or six years that the Gaels failed to win 25 games (they won 23) and accepting an NIT bid was definitely a comedown.
WBR: Can you give a little background on why St. Mary’s endured some NCAA sanctions a few years back? What kind of impact did that have to the program?
MV: The NCAA sanctions stemmed from the actions of an assistant coach who was secretly recruiting a player from France. Coach Bennett was called out by the NCAA for failing to control that coach, even though Bennett claimed he had no idea what the guy was doing. When the assistant’s actions became known, Bennett fired him.
WBR: What kind of style does St. Mary’s play offensively and defensively?
MV: The Gaels are a man-to-man defensive team and a disciplined, efficient offensive team that stresses teamwork. Crisp passing, good spacing and execution are their hallmarks. Bennett would love to see four guys score in double figures than one man go for 30. Watch the way Matthew Dellavedova plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers and you will understand how SMC plays.
WBR: Which player does Creighton need to look out for on Saturday?
MV: Brad Waldow, the Gaels 6-10, 260-pound center, is having a Player of the Year-type season even though the WCC conference season hasn’t yet started. Averaging nearly 23 ppg and 10 rpg, Waldow is a beast in the middle.
WBR: Who might be the surprise player that could have an impact on the game?
MV: Kerry Carter might surprise Creighton, but Gael fans have become used to seeing him do extraordinary things. He resembles Popeye in a basketball uniform, but his incredible rebounding and beautiful three-point stroke are wonders to behold.
WBR: What weaknesses do the Gaels have that the Bluejays could exploit?
MV: Gael weaknesses all manifest themselves on defense. When they are hustling, rotating and switching efficiently, the Gaels play excellent defense. If they slough off, however, they are vulnerable.
WBR: This game on Saturday against Creighton is due to an ESPN Bracketbusters return game agreement from a couple season’s ago and the Gaels usually have one of the last non-conference schedules to come out. How hard is it for St. Mary’s to put together a schedule full of quality opponents each season?
MV: Scheduling is a problem for any mid-major, especially if it has the annoying habit of winning at home (Boise State’s win last week broke a string of 33 non-conference home wins). SMC struggles to put together a strong schedule every year.
WBR: What is your final prediction? What will St. Mary’s need to do in order to steal a win in Omaha?
MV: I think the Gaels will win. They recorded a relatively easy win over Creighton two years ago when Creighton had McDermott, Grant Gibbs, Wragge and a big, strong center whose name escapes me [Gregory Echenique]. Bennett has had enough time to practice and exact revenge over his troops for laying an egg against Boise. They usually respond well to these situations.
