The Saint Mary's Gaels have Saturday off as they await a Thursday road showdown with the Gonzaga Bulldogs. However, they are still getting some benefit even as they enjoy a day off. Much of the rest of the nation is in action and we already have a couple of upsets in the books. The No. 16/18 Virginia Cavaliers were knocked off in a tough road contest at No. 21/24 Florida State. Elsewhere, the No. 15 Marquette Golden Eagles were blown out in a game at the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

The losses will boost the Gaels in the AP Poll where both teams are ahead of SMC, and in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll, where Marquette is one spot ahead of SMC. More importantly, Marquette might take a slight hit in their top ten RPI. Although Saint Mary's won't climb past them in RPI, every loss ahead of them counts as the Gaels look to climb in bracketology reports.

Saint Mary's is in the five to six seed range right now. If they can win at Gonzaga, they would be in a position to potentially run the table the rest of the way. A road win over Murray State in the Bracketbusters event, as well as a postseason conference title would do a lot to boost them towards a higher seed.