In a thrilling Saturday night showdown, Saint Mary’s emerged victorious against Gonzaga with a final score of 64-62, extending their impressive win streak to 10 games. Aidan Mahaney played a pivotal role in the Gaels’ success, contributing 20 points, including four crucial 3-pointers.
Despite facing a determined Gonzaga squad, Saint Mary’s showcased resilience, securing the win and maintaining sole possession of first place in the West Coast Conference with a record of 18-6, 9-0 in conference play.
Josh Jefferson’s standout performance added to the Gaels’ triumph, recording 16 points and 11 rebounds for his fourth double-double of the season. Mitchell Saxen and Augustas Marciulionis also made significant contributions with 15 and 11 points, respectively.
On the opposing side, Ryan Nembhard led the Bulldogs with 18 points, while Anton Watson and Graham Ike recorded double-doubles with 16 points and 10 rebounds, and 12 points and 12 rebounds, respectively. Despite their efforts, Gonzaga’s five-game win streak came to an end.
The game showcased a back-and-forth battle, with Gonzaga leading for a significant duration of 30:22. However, a pivotal 8-0 run, capped by Jefferson’s 3-pointer, shifted the momentum in favor of Saint Mary’s. The Gaels held onto their lead, securing a hard-fought victory in the final minutes.
The win not only solidifies Saint Mary’s as a force to be reckoned with in the West Coast Conference but also adds another impressive chapter to their remarkable 10-game win streak. As the regular season progresses, both teams will undoubtedly look to build on this intense matchup as they pursue their respective conference aspirations.