San Diego, CA - The Saint Mary's men's basketball team (7-17/2-9 WCC) suffered its second consecutive loss, falling to the San Diego Toreros (13-11/5-6 WCC), 76-72. Chase Poole (Austin, TX) led the Gaels with 16 points, seven rebounds, four steals, three blocks and one assist.

The Gaels began the first half shooting the lights out, making consecutive three-pointers. SMC would take a four point lead, 12-8, after a jumper by Ross Benson (Everett, WA) at the 15:43 minute mark. The Gaels would extend their lead to seven, their biggest of the game, after a made free throw by Teohn Conner (Ferriday, LA) with six minutes to play in the first half. The Toreros would battle back to tie it up at 38, before Ryan Nelson (Phoenix, AZ) hit a jumper with five seconds remaining in the half.

In the second half both teams would match baskets until the 13:49 minute mark when the Toreros would begin to pull away. USD took a seven-point lead after a pair of free throws by Jason Blair at the 11:27 minute mark. The Gaels would retaliate with a 9-2 run to tie the game at 63 apiece. SMC would stay within two points until USD's Sam Adamo hit a 19-foot jumper with eight seconds remaining to seal the victory.

Besides Poole's 16, two other Gaels finished in double figures. Benson finished with 11 points and four rebounds and Adam Caporn (Baldivis, W. Australia) finished with 10 points and added a game-high four assists. Leading the way for the Toreros was Adamo who finished with 19 points.

As a team the Gaels shot 51.2 percent from the field, a season-high 53.8 percent from behind the arc and 72.4 percent from the free throw line. The Gaels were out-rebounded 32-28.

The Gaels will continue West Coast Conference action when they travel to Santa Clara to play the Broncos on Saturday, February 16. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:05 p.m. in the Leavey Center.