Saint Mary’s hosted their first WCC conference game of the season against the Pacific Tigers, in a Northern California matchup. The Gaels entered the game 10-3, while the Tigers entered 5-9, including losses in 9 of their last 11.
The former WCC player of the year, Augustus Marciulionis led the way for the Gaels, along with elite big men Paulis Marauskas and Mitchell Saxen. The Tigers were led by Elias Ralph and Elijah Fisher, one of the best duos in the WCC. The two combined averaged 33.3 points per game, almost half of the Tigers’ points all together.
The last time the Gaels had played in the WCC, they were in Las Vegas, hoisting the trophy after defeating top seed Gonzaga. Pacific on the other hand, had not won a conference game all season in 2024, and were coming off 19 straight losses.
Saint Mary’s avoided the massive upset, winning 70-60.
Leading the way for the Gaels was Luke Barrett, who had a massive breakout game. The redshirt senior finished with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists. It was Barrett’s fourth double double of his career, but undoubtedly his best game as a Gael.
Jordan Ross broke out as well, finishing with 13 points and 5 rebounds, his fourth best game of his career as a Gael.
Mitchell Saxen was a force on both ends, finishing with 12 points and 10 rebounds. The other big man, Paulis Marauskas had 10 points and 13 rebounds.
Augustus Marciulionis finished with 9 points but tossed 11 assists en route to the victory.
The Tigers were led by their dynamic duo, Ralph and Fisher. Ralph finished with 20 points and 4 rebounds, playing 38 of the games 40 minutes. Fisher put up 17 points, and 8 rebounds, playing 39 of 40 minutes. An underrated Tiger, Lamar Washington put up 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists.
Outside of those three, no Tiger did much for them, as the three combined for 51 of the teams’ 60.
Neither team shot well from the field or three, as it seemed as if the rims were broken. Pacific shot 41% from the field, and 25% from three, while Saint Mary’s was 38% from the field and 30% from three.
The biggest difference was the rebounding game. The Gaels outrebounded the Tigers 48 to 33, 22 of which were offensive. Overall, the frontcourt play of Saint Mary’s helped them enormously.
Saint Mary’s has an off day for the next WCC match day, but hosts Pepperdine on January 2, hoping to start 2-0 in conference play. For the Tigers, they travel to San Diego on the 30th before coming home to host the San Francisco Dons on January 2nd.