LOS ANGELES — Saint Mary's (10-5, 1-3 WCC) had to grind for all 40 minutes against Loyola Marymount (7-5, 2-2 WCC) inside Gersten Pavilion on Thursday night but would eventually emerge with a four-point win. The team's 10th victory of the year also marked the 450th win of Randy Bennett's career at Saint Mary's in his 20th season. 

HOW IT HAPPENED
Matthias Tass had a season-high 18 points on 8-of-15 shooting in only 26 minutes. The junior also had two blocks and two assists before fouling out with just over six minutes remaining in the contest. 

Dan Fotu helped carry the load with a season-best 16 points just one game after scoring 15 against Gonzaga last week. Logan Johnson chipped in 11 points and a team-high five assists while Tommy Kuhse posted a similar stat line with 11 points and four dimes. 

The Gaels had a solid shooting game overall as they shot 45 percent from the floor but made just 55 percent of their 31 free throws on the night. Fotu was the Gaels' best performer at the charity stripe by knocking down six of his eight tries. 

Saint Mary's did most of their damage down low scoring 36 points in the paint. SMC managed to outscore LMU around the hoop despite being outrebounded by 21. 

The Gaels went into halftime up two, 26-24. SMC was heavily outrebounded in the period but managed to keep a lead by forcing the Lions to shoot just 33 percent from the floor. Bennett's club forced 15 LMU turnovers in the opening 20 minutes. 

Eli Scott led the Lions with 28 points and 12 rebounds. 

NUMBERS TO KNOW
55: SMC shot 55 percent in the second half. 
2: Saint Mary's scored only two points off the bench courtesy of Mitchell Saxen. 
27: LMU committed 27 turnovers that led to 22 Gael points. 
12: Saint Mary's had a season-high 12 steals. 
17: The Gaels picked up their 17th straight win against the Lions. 

UP NEXT: SAN FRANCISCO
The Gaels will now head to the Hilltop to face the Dons on Saturday. The game will be broadcasted on CBS Sports Network and will tip off at 4 p.m.