The Saint Mary’s men’s basketball team is heading to the 2026 NCAA Tournament as an at-large bid. In the West Coast Conference Tournament, the Gaels had a bye until the semifinals, but they lost 76-71 to Santa Clara in the semis.
The Gaels are 27-5 entering the Big Dance and went 16-2 in WCC play.
Saint Mary’s NCAA Tournament Appearances
In 2026, Saint Mary’s basketball will make its 15th appearance in the Division 1 NCAA Tournament.
The Gaels also reached the tourney in 1959, 1989, 1997, 2005, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2017, 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025.
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Saint Mary’s Basketball NCAA Tournament Wins
Saint Mary’s has won eight games in the Division 1 NCAA Tournament. It has beaten Idaho State in 1959, Richmond and Villanova in 2010, Middle Tennessee in 2013, VCU in 2017, Indiana in 2022, VCU in 2023, and Vanderbilt in 2025.
The Gaels have an 8-15 overall record in the Big Dance.
Saint Mary’s Sweet 16 Appearances
The Gaels have reached the Sweet Sixteen twice: in 1959 and 2010.
Saint Mary’s Basketball Coach Randy Bennett Salary
Randy Bennett has a 2024-25 base salary of about $1.3 million as the Saint Mary’s head coach.
Bennett is in his 25th season leading the Gaels. He is a seven-time West Coast Conference Coach of the Year and has led Saint Mary’s to five straight NCAA Tournaments.
Bennett played basketball at the University of California at San Diego from 1983-85. He got his start in coaching as an assistant at the University of San Diego while also spending a couple of years on the Idaho staff. Bennett was named the Saint Mary’s head coach before the 2001-02 season.
