STOCKTON, Calif. (Interstat) — A surging Saint Mary’s team visits the A.C. Spanos Center on Saturday for a West Coast Conference men’s basketball clash with Pacific, presenting a stark contrast in conference trajectories. The Gaels (22-4), riding a three-game winning streak where they have won by an average of 28.7 points, enter as one of the league’s hottest teams. Their most recent outing was an 88-60 demolition of Pepperdine on Wednesday. Pacific (17-10) looks to build on its own 65-59 home victory over Loyola Marymount that same night, seeking a resume-boosting win. Saint Mary’s is powered by point guard Joshua Dent, who is coming off a 12-point, 11-assist double-double against Pepperdine. Over his last seven games, Dent has averaged 12.1 points and 7.7 assists, serving as the engine for the Gaels’ efficient offense. His playmaking will be central against a Pacific defense that has been inconsistent in WCC play. The Tigers counter with high-scoring guard Elias Ralph, who poured in 22 points in the win over LMU. Ralph has scored 20 or more points in three of his last five contests, demonstrating his ability to carry the offensive load. His scoring punch will be vital for a Pacific team that has struggled at times against the conference’s upper echelon, with recent losses to Santa Clara and San Francisco. Historically, Saint Mary’s has dominated this series, but the Tigers’ 17-10 record shows marked improvement. Pacific’s home court, where they are 11-3 this season, provides a potential equalizer. The Tigers’ defense, which held LMU to 59 points, will need a similar effort to slow a Gael attack that has averaged 84.7 points during its current streak. The matchup hinges on Pacific’s ability to withstand Saint Mary’s disciplined system. If Ralph gets hot and the Spanos Center crowd becomes a factor, an upset is possible. However, the Gaels’ experience, superior record, and recent dominance make them a formidable road favorite as they continue their pursuit of a WCC regular-season title. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m. PST on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.