CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand – The second day of the foreign tour down under for the Saint Mary's College men's basketball team included their first game of the 12-day trip.
 
Saint Mary's opened the first of seven games with a 95-66 victory over the Mainland Eagles at Cowles Stadium in Christchurch, New Zealand on Monday night.
 
"It was nice to bring the team to New Zealand and be able to have our two guys from here play in front of their family and friends," Head Coach Randy Bennett said. "This area is really growing on the basketball front and it was exciting to play against one of their professional organizations."
 
The Gaels jumped out to an early lead against the Eagles and never looked back. Saint Mary's used a strong 15-5 run in the second quarter to take a 47-36 lead at halftime.
 
To start the second half, the Gaels really separated themselves with a 26-12 third quarter, to put the game out of reach for good.
 
"Getting to play against another team is always exciting. We were ready to go up against someone else other than our own guys," junior forward Tanner Krebs said. "It was nice to get out there with a new set of guys and really come together as a team."
 
Krebs was one of five players in double-figures for the Gaels. Junior Jordan Ford led the way with 20 points and eight assists and sophomore transfer Malik Fitts had 12 points and 11 rebounds. Krebs added 10 points and five rebounds.
 
Saint Mary's returns to Cowles Stadium on Tuesday night to face the Mainland Eagles in their second game while in New Zealand before heading to Australia on Wednesday.
 
Saint Mary's Foreign Tour Game Schedule
Date           Team                            Site                                              Result    
Aug. 6        Mainland Eagles            Christchurch, New Zealand       W, 95-66
Aug. 7        Mainland Eagles            Christchurch, New Zealand
Aug. 9        Melbourne United          Melbourne, Australia
Aug. 10      Dandenong Rangers      Melbourne, Australia
Aug. 12      Hobart Chargers            Hobart, Tasmania
Aug. 14      Illawarra Hawks             Sydney, Australia
Aug. 15      Sydney Kings                 Sydney, Australia

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