In a commanding performance that showcased their strength and determination, the No. 18 Saint Mary’s Gaels secured their 13th consecutive win with a resounding 103-59 victory over Pepperdine on Thursday night.
Led by a career-high 28 points from Augustus Marciulionis and a buzzer-beating half-court shot from Alex Ducas, the Gaels demonstrated their dominance on both ends of the court.
Coach Randy Bennett praised his team’s resilience and ability to wear down their opponents, noting that the basket seemed to “get a little bigger for us and a little smaller for them” as the game progressed.
With nine of their wins during this streak coming by double digits, the Gaels have firmly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the West Coast Conference. Currently holding a 2 1/2-game lead in the conference over San Francisco and Gonzaga, Saint Mary’s is poised to make a deep run as they eye a berth in the NCAA Tournament.
Despite facing adversity earlier in the season with a rough 1-5 stretch, the Gaels have rebounded impressively, winning 17 of their last 18 games. This resilience speaks to the team’s character and determination to succeed at the highest level.
However, the victory came with a setback as the Gaels were without forward Joshua Jefferson, who sustained a leg injury in their previous game against Portland. While Jefferson’s absence was felt, Saint Mary’s depth and collective effort were enough to overcome the challenge posed by Pepperdine.
Looking ahead, the Gaels remain focused on their ultimate goal of making a deep postseason run and cementing their place in school history. With their recent success and unwavering determination, Saint Mary’s is well-positioned to continue their winning ways and make a strong push for postseason glory.
As the season progresses, Saint Mary’s will look to build on their momentum and continue their impressive run of form. With each victory, the Gaels move one step closer to achieving their dreams and etching their names in the annals of college basketball history.