MORAGA, Calif. — There might have been some concern entering Saturday's Saint Mary's Men's Basketball game that the Gaels might fall victim of a trap game. Saint Mary's kept their feet on the gas Saturday evening against a short-handed Pepperdine squad to win 81-57 inside University Credit Union Pavilion. With the win, the Gaels have now won five straight in WCC play and are 17-4 (5-1) while the Waves drop to 6-17 (0-8).
 
CARRY OVER
After outscoring San Francisco by 19 points in the second half on Thursday night to complete a wild comeback, the Gaels kept that momentum rolling right into the first half of Saturday's game against Pepperdine. Saint. Mary's out-scored the Waves 41-21 in the opening half, and their offense shot 50% from both the floor and the three-point line. The Saint Mary's defense was strong as well, not allowing a three-pointer while forcing nine Waves turnovers. Across the final half from Thursday's game and the first half of Saturday's game, the Gaels out-scored their opponents by 39 points.
 
TOP DOGS WITH TEN
Saturday night marked the first time this season that Saint Mary's had five players record at least 10 points in a game. Tommy Kuhse and Matthias Tass led the way with 16 apiece, continuing strong play following their roles in the comeback win on Thursday. Kuhse also added seven assists to come one shy of a season-best, while Tass grabbed six rebounds. Jabe Mullins was impressive off the bench, playing 19 minutes and scoring a season-best 11 points, including three made three-pointers. Logan Johnson and Alex Ducas each added 10 points to help round out the scoring for SMC.
 
SWIPE AND STEAL
When Saint Mary's is playing at their best, their defense is in charge, and they certainly made life difficult for the Waves on Saturday. The Gaels forced 17 Pepperdine turnovers in the win, and recorded 13 steals, both the second most in a game this season for the SMC defense. Johnson ranks among some of the best nationally (second in the WCC in steals) and added four to his ledger on Saturday. While offensively it was quiet for Augustas Marciulionis and Kyle Bowen, both recorded three steals on strong defensive efforts.
 
THESE THINGS ALSO HELPED
With a big win in the turnover department (17 forced, 11 committed), the Gaels scored 27 points off of turnovers, versus just 15 for the Waves…Saint Mary's also had its way with the Waves down low, doubling up on points in the paint (40-20)…the Gaels have scored at least 70 points in seven of the last eight games and continue to shoot better as the game goes on, shooting 56.7% from the floor in the second stanza…with five players scoring 10+ points, the Gaels had 37 bench points on Saturday.
   
UP NEXT
The Gaels return to the road next week as they kick off the first week of February by traveling up to Portland to take on the Pilots in their first and only meeting during the 2021-22 regular season. Saint Mary's will head to Portland for the first time since 2018 and have not lost at the Chiles Center since 2011. The Gaels have won their last three road games in WCC play after losing to BYU, with their most recent road game coming this week when Saint Mary's came from behind to beat San Francisco 72-70. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 pm and will be televised on NBC Sports California.
 
#GaelsRise — 2021-22 tickets and ticket packages are on sale now! To purchase tickets, click HERE. If you have questions, contact the ticket office by email smctickets@stmarys-ca.edu or call 925-631-4689…Saint Mary's Basketball…#TogetherAgain