The NCAA tournament kicked off with an exciting first-round matchup on March 21, 2025, pitting the No. 7 seed Saint Mary’s Gaels (28-5) against the No. 10 seed Vanderbilt Commodores (20-12) in Cleveland’s Rocket Arena. Tip-off for this highly anticipated game was set for 3:15 p.m. ET and broadcast on truTV.
The Gaels came into this matchup as 4.5-point favorites, reflecting not only their overall record but also their reputation for strong defensive play, allowing just 60.7 points per game throughout the season. Led by veteran head coach Randy Bennett, who has been with the program since the 2001-02 season, the Gaels were looking to build on their successful campaign. Their season included a WCC regular-season title, showcasing a team effort that had seen them strengthen significantly over the year.
On the other hand, Vanderbilt, under the guidance of first-year coach Mark Byington, was back in the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2017. The Commodores faced the challenge of overcoming a tough conference schedule in the SEC, where they often competed against formidable opponents. This experience could prove crucial as they sought to pull an upset against the Gaels.
The matchup not only highlighted external team dynamics but also individual contributions. For Saint Mary’s, seniors Mitchell Saxen and Augustas Marciulionis played pivotal roles, combining for an average of 34.7 points per game. Marciulionis, acting as playmaker, was critical for the Gaels in setting up plays and driving their offensive strategy. He entered the game leading the team with 14.3 points and 6.1 assists per game.
Vanderbilt had its share of star players too, notably Jason Edwards, who came into the tournament averaging 17 points per game. His recent form was promising; he had scored 44 points over the past two games, underscoring his preparedness for this crucial encounter. Alongside him, Tyler Nickel and Devin McGlockton contributed significantly to the offensive flow—each hovering around double digits in scoring, which could prove vital for maintaining pace against the disciplined Gaels defense.
As they prepared for the first-round face-off, betting lines indicated confidence in Saint Mary's; the moneyline was set at Saint Mary's -189 while Vanderbilt was listed at +157. These odds provided a snapshot of the anticipated competitiveness of the matchup. Fans eager to catch the game had multiple streaming options available, including truTV and various online platforms during March Madness.
When the teams took to the floor, both squads showed their strengths early on. The game started as a back-and-forth affair, with each team trading baskets. Saint Mary's defense was particularly tested in the first half as Vanderbilt’s offense sought to impose its will. However, Saint Mary’s stifling defense held firm multiple times, aiming to capitalize on any errors made by the Commodores.
A defining moment came mid-way through the first half where Vanderbilt’s lead grew to 34-24 after a three-pointer from Tyler Nickel, solidifying their early momentum. Despite trailing at several points, the Gaels kept their composure, illustrating the experience their seasoned roster brought to the table. They demonstrated resilience as they closed the gap, relying heavily on their defensive strategy and rebounding capability, which ranked impressively throughout the season.
The narrative heading into the game also examined coaching experience—a focal point for many analysts. With Bennett's 15 NCAA tournament outings compared to Byington's two, some experts suggested this experience could play a pivotal role in how effectively each team executed their game plan. In his interview ahead of the game, Bennett stated, "We are prepared for what lies ahead and trust in our training and experience to carry us through to the next round."
As the game unfolded, the various predictions and statistics provided an in-depth look into the possible outcomes. Analysts had forecasted this matchup could see over 135 points total—a clear reflection of both teams’ high-scoring potential if allowed to dictate pace. After thorough analysis, predictions leaned towards a potential Saint Mary's victory with a covered spread, emphasizing their consistency throughout the season.
As the final moments of the match approached, the atmosphere in Rocket Arena intensified. Both teams knew that not only reputations were on the line, but also the opportunity to advance to the next stage of the NCAA tournament, facing the victor of the earlier game between Alabama and Robert Morris.
This year's tournament promised its usual thrills and upsets, and this specific opening round showdown between the Gaels and the Commodores seemed poised to capture the excitement of March Madness, where anything can happen on the hardwood. As fans tuned in to witness what unfolded, the spirit of competitiveness shone brightly, promising to deliver yet another memorable chapter in NCAA tournament history.
The road to glory in the NCAA tournament is never straightforward; however, both these programs arrived prepared to put their talents to the test. The winner would not only move closer to the ultimate goal—cutting down the nets—but also earn significant bragging rights for their respective basketball programs.
