The Saint Mary's Gaels continue through one of the most successful seasons in school history as they clinched the WCC's automatic berth in the NCAA tournament Monday evening with their win over Gonzaga. The Gaels removed any possible doubt about their postseason opportunity and now sit and wait for their first round opponent. The NCAA tournament selection show will get going this Sunday, at which point SMC will find out its destination.
Heading into the WCC title game, the Gaels were projected in the seven to eight seed range. In securing the WCC postseason title, to go with their regular season title, Saint Mary's should be in position to climb as high as possibly a six seed. The selection committee could be extra generous and go even higher, but it is going to be a tough call. SMC will benefit in the RPI with this win given Gonzaga's high standing. Their eventual destination will likely depend in part on how the major conference tournaments pan out over the next six days. An upset here or there could provide the Gaels with an opportunity to creep up.