No. 7 Saint Mary’s strives for tournament breakthrough against No. 10 Texas A&M

Seventh-seeded Saint Mary's is in the NCAA Tournament for the 12th time under coach Randy Bennett, but deep runs haven't been part of the story.

The Gaels begin pursuit of a breakthrough experience when they face No. 10 seed Texas A&M on Thursday night in South Region first-round play at Oklahoma City.

Saint Mary's (27-5) is making its fifth straight March Madness appearance but only once have the Gaels reached the Sweet 16 during Bennett's 25 seasons. That was in 2010 when Saint Mary's was a No.