By: Nadine Masarweh
SMC Athletic Communications

MORAGA, Calif. -- After a high level, intense game in the second round of the National Invitation Tournament, Saint Mary's men's basketball made school history with its 30th win of the season as they took down the Huskies (21-13), 85-81, Monday night in McKeon Pavilion.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Jordan Ford finished with a game-high 26 points on an efficient 8-for-13 from the field in 35 minutes. The second year guard has now scored in double-figures in six consecutive games. Evan Fitzner played a crucial role in tonight's win, scoring 20 points in 30 minutes off the bench. The junior forward shot 8-for-14 from the field and grabbed six boards. Jock Landale (14), Calvin Hermanson (14) and Tanner Krebs (10) were the other three Gaels to score double-digit points.
  
  
• Washington challenged Saint Mary's at the 6:20 mark in the fourth quarter with a 69-65 comeback, as the Huskies made five shots in a row, including back to back 3-pointers to trail by as little as four points. The Huskies shot 8-for-9 from the field to cut the 12-point Gaels lead to three points with 4:42 left in the quarter. Despite the comeback, Saint Mary's answered back with Jordan Ford's impressive 3-point shot and free throws that clinched the victory.
  
  
• The Gaels continued to dominate on the offensive end in the opening of the final half, as SMC made seven straight shots in a row to extend its lead, 57-45, with the help of four 3-pointers led by Ford who chipped in two, Hermanson and Krebs poured down one. The Gaels shot 83.3 percent from the floor and 61.5 percent from deep to close the third period.
  
  
• SMC held a 41-35 lead heading into the locker room, scoring 20 of its points from inside the paint and shooting a 51.7 field goal percentage over the Huskies 48.4 shooting percentage. Consistent ball movement inside the paint was key for the Gaels to get past the Huskies defense, as Fitzner scored in double-figure points at the 4:28 mark in the second quarter. The Huskies did not make it comfortable for the Gaels as UW shot 60.0 percent on 9-for-15 shooting in the quarter to trail 36-30. Hermanson knocked down his third 3-pointer making him the second Gael to score in double-digits to end the first half.
  
  
• Saint Mary's got off to a fast paced start as Hermanson's two 3-pointers jump started the offense as the Gaels took control of a 10-point lead,16-6, in the opening minutes. Saint Mary's found its way past Washington's zone defense as they shot a comfortable 8-for-16 from the floor while five Gaels scored a point or more in the first quarter.

QUICK FACTS

• 30 wins marks the most wins in a single season by Saint Mary's.
• First win over UW in program history (0-6 all-time heading into tonight).
• The Gaels are in their sixth NIT in program history. SMC has advanced to the NIT in 2008-09, 2010-11, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16.
• Entering tonight, Saint Mary's had the nation's sixth best win percentage (85.3). The Gaels have had 29 wins in each of the last three seasons (2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18).

NUMBERS TO KNOW

• 5: Five Gaels scored in double-digit points. Jordan Ford scored a game-high 26 points on 8-for-13 shooting. Evan Fitzner set a new season-high with 20 points after surpassing 17 at San Francisco on Feb. 15. Calvin Hermanson and Jock Landale scored 14 points while Tanner Krebs had 10.
• 18: Saint Mary's dished out 18 assists while Emmett Naar led the entire matchup with 12 dimes.
• 56.4: The Gaels shot 56.4 percent from the field as the Huskies were right behind them shooting 55.2 percent.

UP NEXT

• Saint Mary's will take on No. 2 Utah at 7 p.m. on Wednesday in the Quarterfinals at McKeon Pavilion. The game will be televised on ESPN2. Fans can find coverage links on the men's basketball schedule page on SMCGaels.com.
• Season Ticket holders will be able to purchase their season seats beginning at 12:01 a.m., March 20. Season ticket holders will have until 9 a.m. Wednesday, March 21 to purchase their seats. All available seats will be available for purchase online beginning Wednesday morning at 9 a.m. PDT.