Make It Three: Joshua Jefferson comes fresh off of being . / Photo by Tod Fierner for SMC Athletics
Gaels Defeat LMU 70–65 at Home, Remain Unbeaten in West Coast Conference Play
Augustas Marciulionis sets a career-high 25 points against the Lions.
After not trailing since their last meeting with Loyola Marymount University (10–11, 3–4 WCC), the Saint Mary's Gaels (16–6, 7–0 WCC) found themselves locked in a tight battle with the Lions, but were able to play smart, effective basketball down the stretch to earn the win, 70–65. With 3:30 remaining the two teams were locked in at 55 each, but the Gaels valued every possession and were able to regain the lead and maintain it through the final buzzer.
The games against the Lions have been the two closest contests for the Gaels in West Coast Conference play this season. Saturday night’s victory gave the Gaels a regular season sweep of the Lions.
As expected, the Lions hung tough with the Gaels in the first half, not allowing Saint Mary's to take a lead larger than seven points—even taking their own early lead at 10–9. In fact, LMU outshot the Gaels 46% to 37% in the first half, but a combination of turnover-forcing defense and ferocious offensive rebounding allowed the Gaels to control the first half.
After being held below 10 points in each of his last four games, Augustas Marciulionis scored 11 points in the first half, to go along with three assists. On Australian Heritage Night, Aussies Alex Ducas scored nine and ripped down three rebounds while Harry Wessels led the Gaels on the rebounding front with four.
Firecracker for the Offense
Both squads showed offensive improvements in the second half. At the 13:49 mark, the Lions took their first lead of the second half at 37–36, and the two teams traded buckets to bring the score to 41–40 in favor of LMU with 12:06 to go. The Gaels responded with a 9–0 run, only to be answered by a 9–0 response for the Lions, to push them right back ahead at 50–49 just inside the seven minute mark.
Unfazed, the Gaels continued their brand of precise, purposeful offense and stifling defense, taking the lead on a Joshua Jefferson triple with 3:19 to go, and holding the lead to close out the game. Marciulionis continued to dazzle in the second half, with 14 more points and four more assists. Jefferson and Aidan Mahaney each added nine second half points, the latter doing so after being held scoreless in the first half. Mitchell Saxen reeled in five massive second half rebounds, limiting the Lions second chance opportunities.
Playing the entire 40 minutes, Augustas Marciulionis was the firecracker offensively for the Gaels, slicing and dicing his way to a career-high 25 points. Marciulionis also added a team-high seven assists to just one turnover.
Joshua Jeffereson—who was coming fresh off of being named —added 15 points including a pair of timely threes, while Alex Ducas continued his recent hot-streak from deep, knocking down three threes en route to 11 points. Mitchell Saxen continued to bring his usual, bruiser-like self, with eight points, six boards, and a block.
Another Career High Against the Lions
In scoring 25 points, Augustas Marciulionis topped his previous career-high—also against the Lions in Los Angeles three weeks ago—when he scored 22. In both of these contests, Marciulionis was a thorn in the sides of the Lions interior defenders, scoring 12 of his 22 in LA and 16 of his 25 in Moraga in the painted area; he added nine points in each of those outings at the charity stripe. Saturday night, Marciulionis took his game to the next level against LMU, adding seven assists to just one turnover.
Keeping the Ball Safe
For the second time in as many matchups, the Gaels turned the ball over a season-low four times against the Lions. Augustas Marciulionis and Aidan Mahaney, the Gaels two primary ball handlers, combined to turn the ball over just once. Meanwhile, defensively, the Gaels forced 12 turnovers, turning those into 14 points, a major factor in the ultimate outcome in this one.
Standing Tall
After winning four straight by 17 or more points, the Gaels proved that they can win the tight contests as well. This matchup had six ties and 13 lead changes, with the Gaels never leading by more than eight—and trailing with less than five minutes to go.
Saint Mary's was out-shot and out-rebounded by LMU but didn't panic. The Gaels played their brand of basketball and walked away with their 13th victory out of their last 14 contests.
UP NEXT: The Gaels have a quick turnaround, hosting Santa Clara on Wednesday, January 31. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m.
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