Box Score

San Francisco, CA - The Saint Mary's men's basketball team (5-12/ 0-4 WCC) was defeated by the University of San Francisco Dons (8-9/ 3-1 WCC), 84-67 at the War Memorial Gymnasium in front of 3,184 fans. Sophomore Paul Marigney (Oakland, CA), led all scorers with a career high 26 points and added a team-high eight rebounds.

In what was a physical game that included 53 fouls, the Gaels would shoot the ball well and take an early 11-7 lead. The Gaels would then lead by as much as four points in the first until the Dons took a 25-23 lead. The Dons would slowly inch away during a 19-12 run, which would give the USF a 12-point lead at the break. As a team the Gaels shot 47.8 percent from the field to the Dons 41.9 percent shooting. USF's Darrell Tucker led all scorers at the half with 18 points after going 7-for-7 from the floor.

The closest the Gael would get in the second half was nine points as the Dons continued to dominate the boards, out-rebounding the Gaels 41-26. Both teams found themselves frequently visiting the free throw line, the Dons made 30-of-35 (85.7 percent) to the Gaels 16-for-28 (57.1 percent). The Dons would increase their lead to 17 on a Tayo Akinsete 3-pointer with six seconds remaining to give USF their third win in West Coast Conference action.

Also shooting in double-figures for the Gaels was Chase Poole (Austin, TX), who finished with 14 points, four rebounds and three blocks. Leading the way for the Dons was Tucker and LyRyan Russell, both totaling 22 points. Tucker led all rebounders with 11 boards. As a team the Gaels shot 46.9 percent from the field and 41.7 percent from behind the arc to the Dons 43.9 percent shooting from the floor and 40 percent shooting from long range.

The Gaels will continue conference play when they travel to Portland to play the Pilots on Thusday, January 24. This game is scheduled to tip-off at 7:05 p.m.