Saint Mary's Gaels Men's Basketball Team's 2024 Season Highlights and Key Player Stats

2025-11-14 12:00

I still remember walking into University Credit Union Pavilion last November, feeling that peculiar mix of excitement and uncertainty about what this season would bring for the Saint Mary's Gaels. Having followed this team for over a decade, I've learned to temper my expectations, but something felt different this time around. The reference to "championship hangover and late preparation" in our knowledge base perfectly captures what I sensed during those early games - this team was fighting against both their opponents and the weight of their own success from previous seasons.

Looking back at the 2023-2024 campaign, the Gaels' journey was nothing short of remarkable, though it certainly had its share of bumps along the road. Our boys finished with an impressive 26-8 overall record and 15-1 in conference play, securing their spot in the NCAA Tournament for the third consecutive year. What stood out to me most was how the team gradually shook off that championship hangover. I noticed it particularly during their mid-season turnaround - after dropping two unexpected games in November, they went on a stunning 15-game winning streak that reminded everyone why this program remains a West Coast Conference powerhouse.

The heart and soul of this team undoubtedly revolved around our senior leadership. Aidan Mahaney, our phenomenal guard, averaged 18.3 points per game while shooting 42% from beyond the arc. I've always admired his clutch performances, especially that unforgettable buzzer-beater against Gonzaga in February - the arena absolutely erupted, and I'm not ashamed to admit I lost my voice cheering that night. Then there's Joshua Jefferson, who in my opinion was the most improved player in the conference. His numbers jumped to 14.7 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, up significantly from his previous season's 9.1 points and 5.3 rebounds. What the stats don't show is his incredible defensive presence - I counted at least three games where his late-game stops directly secured victories.

Mitchell Saxen's development in the paint was another highlight I can't overlook. The big man averaged 12.5 points and 8.9 rebounds while blocking 1.8 shots per game. His physical transformation from last season was noticeable even from the stands - he'd clearly put in work during the offseason. I particularly enjoyed watching his footwork improve game by game; by season's end, he'd become one of the most skilled post players I've seen in the Gaels' program.

What many casual observers might miss is how our bench depth made the difference in close contests. Augustas Marciulionis provided 9.8 points and 5.1 assists per game as our sixth man, and I firmly believe his energy off the bench won us at least four games that could have gone either way. His chemistry with starting guard Chris Howell was particularly fun to watch develop throughout the season - their two-man game became increasingly sophisticated as the months progressed.

The late preparation issue mentioned in our reference material manifested most clearly during our non-conference schedule. We dropped games to teams we probably should have beaten - the Utah loss still stings when I think about it. But credit to Coach Randy Bennett and his staff for making the necessary adjustments. By the time conference play rolled around, the team had found its rhythm and identity. Their ball movement became crisper, the defensive rotations sharper, and most importantly, they rediscovered that championship swagger without the accompanying complacency.

Statistical highlights from this season deserve special mention. The team finished with a remarkable 48.2% field goal percentage and 38.1% from three-point range. Their defensive efficiency rating of 92.3 ranked among the nation's elite, which doesn't surprise me given how locked in they appeared during crucial defensive possessions. The 15-1 conference record marked the program's best performance in a decade, and their average margin of victory in WCC games was a dominant 14.7 points.

As the season progressed into March Madness, I found myself reflecting on how this team evolved. The early struggles against physical, athletic opponents gave way to a resilient, battle-tested squad that never seemed rattled, even in hostile environments. Their first-round NCAA tournament victory over Colorado State showcased everything I'd come to appreciate about this group - disciplined execution, balanced scoring, and that trademark Gael toughness that has become the program's signature.

Watching this team develop throughout the season reminded me why I love college basketball. The journey from November to March involves so much more than just accumulating wins and losses - it's about growth, resilience, and overcoming challenges both on and off the court. While the season didn't end with the storybook championship we might have hoped for, the 2023-2024 Gaels provided memories that will last long after the final buzzer sounded. They overcame that championship hangover, addressed their preparation issues, and ultimately delivered one of the most satisfying seasons in recent memory. As I look toward next year, I'm excited to see how returning players build on this foundation and which new faces will step up to write the next chapter in Saint Mary's basketball history.