Two teams picked to win their respective conferences will meet when No. 22 Saint Mary's hosts Saint Francis (Pa.) in Moraga, Calif., on Saturday in their season openers.
Saint Mary's returns four starters from a team that finished 29-5 last season and reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
"Probably the most unselfish team I have ever coached -- probably as an assistant or head coach," said Randy Bennett, who is beginning his 17th season as Saint Mary's head coach.
The Gaels were a unanimous choice of the coaches to win the West Coast Conference title this season, ahead of 2017 national runner-up Gonzaga.