Saint Mary's postseason fate was sealed the moment the Gaels lost in the West Coast Conference title game.
Actually, one could argue it happened many months ago, when the ultra-soft, non-conference schedule was finalized in the offseason.Coach Randy Bennett's decision to load up on cupcakes meant the Gaels had to claim the WCC's automatic bid, or get ready for the NIT.They lost to Gonzaga in the championship, and they're headed to the NIT.The selection committee places immense value on the intent behind non-conference schedules. It wants teams with designs on the NCAAs to challenge themselves in November and December.