MBB | Strong Defense, Timely Offense Lead Gaels Past New Mexico State

Wednesday, November 14

Las Cruces, N.M.

6:00 p.m. PT

Saint Mary's College of California

New Mexico State

Saint Mary's (CA)

New Mexico St.

MBB | Strong Defense, Timely Offense Lead Gaels Past New Mexico State

11/14/2018 9:25:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score

LAS CRUCES, N.M. – The Saint Mary's men's basketball team stepped up to an early road challenge Wednesday night, and came out of Las Cruces with a 73-58 victory over New Mexico State in front of a rowdy crowd at the Pan American Center.

With the win, the Gaels improve to 3-0 on the season, and gave the Aggies just their 24^th home loss in the past 10 years. Going into the game, New Mexico State was 140-23 at home over the last decade.

HOW IT HAPPENED:
After a back-and-forth start, the Gaels used some separation in the first half with a 9-0 run to take a 26-18 lead with 5:32 left in the half. Saint Mary's would never trail again.

The Gaels led 32-23 heading into the break and were led by a strong defensive effort. Saint Mary's held New Mexico State to 34.6 percent shooting in the first half, while the Gaels shot 48.1 percent from the field and 42.9 percent from 3-point range.

To start the second half, Saint Mary's used an 11-2 run to open up an 18-point lead, its largest of the game. New Mexico State battled back down the stretch, cutting the lead down to seven with 7:17 left, but Saint Mary's stepped up and halted the Aggies run by four quick points by Elijah Thomas.

QUOTABLE:

"We knew this was going to be a tough place to play and it was going to take a team effort." – Malik Fitts
"They are an active team and try to speed up the game. We just had to stay patient and work for an open shot. We started finding our rhythm after a slow start." – Jordan Ford

NUMBERS TO KNOW:

28: Jordan Ford continues his hot start offensively. Ford scored 28 points, including going 11-for-11 from the free throw line.
20: Sophomore Malik Fitts' high in a Saint Mary's uniform.
7: This is the seventh straight year the Gaels have started at least 3-0.
11.1: The Gaels held New Mexico State to 11.1 percent (2-for-18) shooting from 3-point range.

UP NEXT:
Saint Mary's continues its play away from home with two neutral site matchups next week. The Gaels will open the MGM Resorts Main Event on Monday night at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas against Utah State at 5:30 p.m. on ESPN3.

#GaelsRise – It's time to pack McKeon Pavilion and watch the Saint Mary's basketball team rise to new heights in 2018-19…call the SMC Ticket Office today at 925-631-4689 or click the ticket link above to get your seats now…Saint Mary's Basketball…#GaelsRise