In an electrifying matchup at Moraga, California, the Saint Mary's Gaels emerged victorious against the Gonzaga Bulldogs with a 62-58 win, marking a significant triumph in the West Coast Conference. This hard-fought game was punctuated by the stellar performance of Mikey Lewis, who scored 16 crucial points, and Harry Wessels, whose two late-game free throws sealed the victory.
Lewis delivered an impressive display, shooting 6 out of 18 from the field, including four successful three-point attempts out of twelve. His efforts were well complemented by Paulius Murauskas, who added 12 points, though he faced challenges hitting 4 of 11 shots from the floor and 1 of 3 from beyond the arc. Murauskas also demonstrated his prowess on the boards with eight rebounds, highlighting his dual threat on the court.
Jordan Ross contributed to the Gaels' tally with 10 points, achieving two of his five field-goal attempts and converting five out of seven from the free-throw line. The victory extended Saint Mary's winning streak to an impressive ten games, signaling their dominance in the conference.
The Bulldogs, fighting valiantly, were led by Graham Ike, who scored a team-high 24 points and matched Murauskas's eight rebounds. Ryan Nembhard provided solid support with 11 points, an outstanding 12 assists, and three steals, while Braden Huff aided with seven points. Despite their efforts, Gonzaga could not overcome Saint Mary's determined play.
By halftime, Saint Mary's had taken a 36-28 lead, with Murauskas scoring ten of his total points during the first half. Lewis continued his solid performance with ten points in the second half, ensuring the Gaels maintained their edge over Gonzaga.
Looking ahead, both teams are scheduled to return to action on Thursday. Saint Mary's will travel to San Francisco, poised to continue their winning momentum. Meanwhile, Gonzaga will confront Loyola Marymount on their home court, seeking redemption and a chance to get back to their winning ways.
This thrilling matchup not only reflected the players' tenacity but also underscored Saint Mary's strategic gameplay and resilience. It showcased the competitive spirit of college basketball, where every game holds the potential for an exciting and unpredictable outcome.