MORAGA, Calif. (Interstat) — A surging Saint Mary’s squad, ranked among the nation’s elite, will host a Washington State team seeking a statement road win when the Gaels and Cougars meet in a nonconference men’s basketball game Saturday at McKeon Pavilion.

The Gaels (15-2) have won seven straight since their last loss, a one-point defeat at Boise State on Dec. 14. They are powered by forward Paulius Murauskas, who is averaging 21.2 points per game during the win streak. He is coming off a 30-point, 4-assist performance in a 93-76 victory over Seattle on Jan. 4.

Washington State (8-9) has shown recent improvement, winning four of its last six games. The Cougars are led by guard Eemeli Yalaho, who is averaging 9.4 points and 3.1 assists per game. He posted a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds in a win over Mercer on Dec. 20. In the Cougars’ most recent outing, an 81-67 home win over Oregon State on Jan. 4, Yalaho contributed 11 points and three assists.

The matchup, organized by the West Coast, pits teams on opposite trajectories. Saint Mary’s boasts a formidable home-court advantage and a high-powered offense, while Washington State has struggled away from home, posting a 2-5 record in true road games this season.

For the Cougars, containing Murauskas will be a primary focus. For the Gaels, disrupting Yalaho’s playmaking and forcing turnovers from a Washington State team that has had inconsistent guard play will be key.

This game serves as a final nonconference test for both before diving deeper into their respective league schedules. Saint Mary’s opens West Coast Conference play at San Francisco on Jan. 13. Washington State’s next game is at home against Gonzaga on Jan. 15.

Tipoff is set for Saturday afternoon in Moraga.