MORAGA, Calif. –– The Gaels started off the season on the right foot on Wednesday night as they recorded their first win of the season against McNeese State with an impressive score of 87-65.

HOW IT HAPPENED
Saint Mary's got off to a strong start on Thursday night and shot 53 percent through the first 10 minutes of the half while the defense held McNeese to just 35 percent. The two teams were tied at the first media timeout, but Saint Mary's pulled ahead shortly after and went on a 12-2 run to take the 26-14 lead.

The Gaels kept the momentum for the remainder of the first half and forced the Cowboys to make six turnovers while committing just three. Saint Mary's recorded 15 points off the bench in the first half while Jordan Ford led the team with eight points, followed closely by Malik Fitts who had seven. The Gaels led for over 16 minutes in the first half and never trailed McNeese as they took a 34-23 lead into the half.

Ford paced the SMC offense with a team-high 23 points on 9-of-14 shooting from the field while leading the team with five assists. Fitts earned a double-double off the bench with 19 points and 12 boards while Elijah Thomas also reached double-digit scoring with 12 points on four made triples in his first career start.

McNeese came back from the half with some energy as they scored the first four points, but Saint Mary's went on an 8-0 run shortly after to keep the score in their favor. The Gaels made three treys in the initial five minutes, going 3-for-5 and recording a 60 percent three-point percentage.

Saint Mary's continued to roll as they held an 18-point advantage over the Cowboys with just under eight minutes left in the game. The Gaels then went on a 8-2 run and grabbed their largest lead of the game at 26 with under seven minutes to play.

Malik Hines had a game-high 26 points on 11-of-14 shooting for the Cowboys. Roydell Brown also had a double-double as he posted 12 points and 13 rebounds.

QUICK FACTS

• Saint Mary's recorded 40 points off the bench and 38 points in the paint.
• The Gaels are now 2-0 all-time against the McNeese State Cowboys.
• Saint Mary's only spent 3:38 tied during the game, they spent the remainder of the match in the lead.
• Wednesday's game was the beginning of Heath Schroyer's first season as head coach of McNeese State, having been a part of the BYU coaching staff last season.

• 53: Saint Mary's shooting percentage
• 5: Turnovers for SMC
• 12: # of Gaels who played in tonight's game
• 12: Career high # of points for Elijah Thomas
• 19: Career high # of minutes for Jock Perry

• Saint Mary's will host Utah Valley for the second home game of the season on Sunday, Nov. 11 with tip-off at 5:00 p.m.
• Fans can find coverage links on the men's basketball schedule page on SMCGaels.com.