Posted at 10:15 AM EST odds are subject to change.

Pinnacle -8 -107 BET365 -8½ -110 SportsInteraction -8½ -109  888Sport -8½ -110

Saint Mary’s -8 over North Texas

University Credit Union Pavilion - Moraga, CA

8:00 PM EST. We’re not sure if the Mean Green are getting way too much credit here or if the Gaels are not getting enough but no matter which way you break it down, this price on the Gaels is a bargain.

North Texas is 1-0 after a victory over Southern Nazarene. We’re too lazy this morning to look up whether or not South Nazarene is a Division II or Division III team but does it matter? The Mean Green scored a lousy 53 points and won 53-47 and now they’re going to go up against one of the best defenses in the entire country.

St. Mary’s is 2-0 after beating Oral Roberts and Vermont. Those are two teams with offensive weapons all over the floor and the Gaels made both teams look inadequate. Max Abmas, one of the most dynamic scorers in college basketball, couldn't do jack against the Gaels. Dylan Penn, another great offensive player, looked drunk against the Gaels.

Saint Mary’s offense takes a backseat to their defense but the offense is rock-solid too. Four of the five starters averaged double digits in the first two games but it’s more than that. HC Randy Bennent is a true master of his craft. His fusion of innovative concepts and old school principles devours opponents on a routine basis. Mistakes are few and far between on either end of the floor, leaving WCC and other non-conference challengers little margin for error. On an individual player level, few coaches generate more ROI on their personnel investments. Last year’s offensive maestro Tommy Kuhse is a prime example. Initially a walk-on and then a fringe role player with limited physical upside, Kuhse evolved into one of the best lead guards in college basketball. The final product was yet another instance of Bennett’s developmental brilliance. It’s all-systems-go from here.

It’s also worth noting that the Mean Green may be without two key players here but it’s difficult to find information on it this early on a Sunday. Frankly, we don’t care but it’ll be an added bonus if they are out.