Fifty-point margin: Luke Barrett was one of 10 Gaels who scored against Pacific. / Photo by Tod Fierner for SMC Athletics
Tigers Have No Answer for Red-Hot Gaels
SMC defeats University of Pacific 78–28. Saint Mary’s defense continues to be one of the best in the country.Â
In their first home contest in two weeks, the Saint Mary's Gaels (15–6, 6–0 WCC) reminded their fans why it's a good idea to not miss a single game, handily defeating the Pacific Tigers (6–15, 0–6 WCC) 76–28. The Gaels weathered a slow offensive start early by not giving the Tigers any breathing room defensively. In the second half, shots began to fall for Saint Mary's with more frequency—and their defensive intensity continued, as they surrendered just 28 points, tied for their lowest tally allowed this season and their lowest against a West Coast Conference opponent since 1946.
It was not the prettiest half for either side, but a +18 rebounding advantage for the Gaels helped them take a sizable lead. Pacific matched the Gaels shot for shot for the first eight minutes or so, as the two teams found themselves locked in a 10 all stalemate. Coming out of the second media timeout, however, the Gaels sparked an unanswered 19 point run over the next nine minutes to get all the separation they could ask for. That run eventually came to an end, but when the dust settled in the first half, the Gaels held a 32–14 lead. Aidan Mahaney led all scorers with nine points, while Luke Barrett chipped in six points and seven boards. It was the eighth half this season that the Gaels have surrendered less than 20 points.
The flood gates opened for the Gaels attack in the second half, as the team shot at a 17–24 clip. Alex Ducas found his stroke from beyond the arc, burying three of four three-point attempts in the half, to lead the Gaels with 11 points in the frame, while Joshua Jefferson and Harry Wessels each added six second half points. The defensive effort was every bit as good for the Gaels in the second half as it was in the first, as they once again held the Tigers to just 14 points, for their third contest this season of holding opponents below 20 points in both halves.
Aidan Mahaney and Alex Ducas each scored 11 to lead all scorers. Mahaney did a majority of his damage in the first half, while Ducas contributed all 11 of his points in the second half. Ducas added eight boards and a team-high four assists. Mitchell Saxen finished as the Gaels leading rebounder with nine, to go along with nine points. Saxen led the Gaels to a +27 advantage on the glass.
Dominant Defense
The Gaels defense continues to be one of the best in the country. Coming into the game Thursday, the team ranked fourth in the nation in scoring defense, surrendering 58.7 points per game; against Pacific, they allowed less than half of that. The effort was the Gaels best defensive performance scoring wise against a WCC opponent since February 18, 1946, when they defeated Santa Clara 28–27. It was the Gaels 10th time holding an opponent below 60 points this season, and their third time not allowing an opponent to score 20 points in either half.
Sharing the Love (Scoring Edition)
The Gaels certainly distributed their scoring threats, with 10 different scorers. Aidan Mahaney and Alex Ducas each scored 11 to lead the way, while Augustas Marciulionis and Mitchell Saxen each dropped nine. Luke Barrett and Harry Wessels each added eight off the bench, while Joshua Jefferson scored seven. Mason Forbes and Jordan Ross each chipped in five, and Chris Howell knocked down a three.
A recurring theme all season long has been the ability for any Gael to be the leading scorer on any given night. Against Pacific, everyone was able to contribute to the team victory.
Sharing the Love (Rebounding Edition)
Five different Gaels had at least five rebounds, with Saint Mary's putting up their best rebounding performance against a WCC opponent this season, with 48. Leading the way was the team's leading rebounder all season long, Mitchell Saxen. Saxen had nine boards, including four offensive rebounds, just off of his 4.3 per game average.
Alex Ducas and Luke Barrett each had eight rebounds, splitting time at the three, while Harry Wessels and Jordan Ross each had five. The rebounding totals were career highs for both Barrett and Ross. The 48 rebounds for the Gaels were the most against a WCC opponent since their 2017 matchup in Portland, when they ripped down 50 against the Pilots.
UP NEXT: The Gaels are set for a rematch with LMU on Saturday, January 27. Tip-off is at 7 p.m.
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