SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Saint Mary's men's basketball team played their most complete game of the season, leading wire-to-wire against South Dakota State and finishing off the Bad Boy Mowers Crossover Classic with a 72-59 victory Friday night at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, S.D. 

The Gaels finished the classic with a 2-1 record, winning their final two games at the Sanford Pentagon. Senior Tommy Kuhse was named to the All-Classic Team, following his performance over the three games.

Friday night saw career nights from sophomore Alex Ducas who had 25 points and eight rebounds and freshman Jabe Mullins made his first career start and provided 15 points, including three 3-pointers.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
In the first half, the Gaels jumped out to a 12-2 lead as they went into the first media timeout. Freshman Jabe Mullins, making his first career start, began the scoring for SMC, knocking down his first 3-pointer of the game.

Sophomore Alex Ducas came out on fire for the Gaels, scoring a quick 15 points in the first nine minutes leading to a 19-3 lead. Saint Mary's would open up a lead as large as 22 points and went into the half up 38-24.

In the second half, the Gaels kept their lead at double digits for most of the 20 minutes and continued their hot shooting from 3-point range and at the free throw line.
 
QUOTABLE
·   "Our freshmen are developing and played well tonight. It was another step in their growth as players. This tournament has been tremendous for us, we've played three really good teams. I thought we got better each night." – Randy Bennett
 
·   "It was really good to see the young guys step up. Jabe [Mullins] and [Mitchell] Saxen played a lot of minutes. It was a great team win in the end." – Alex Ducas
 
NUMBERS TO KNOW
·   25:  Career-high in points for sophomore Alex Ducas, 18 of those points came in the first half.
·   12: Rebounds for freshman Mitchell Saxen, a career-high three games into his collegiate career. 
·   1: First career start for freshman Jabe Mullins. Mullins finished with 15 points and three assists.
 
UP NEXT:
Saint Mary's returns to University Credit Union Pavilion for its home opener on Tuesday, Dec. 1 against Nicholls State at 7 p.m.