MBB | Second Half Improvements Not Enough, as Gaels Fall to Xavier

Sunday, November 19

Las Vegas, NV

4:30 pm

Saint Mary's College of California

2-3,0-0WCC

Xavier

3-2,0-0Big East

Xavier

Saint Mary's (CA)

MBB | Second Half Improvements Not Enough, as Gaels Fall to Xavier

11/19/2023 7:16:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score

LAS VEGAS — Game two of the Continental Tires Main Event for the Gaels (2-3) pitted them against the Xavier Musketeers (3-2) in the third place game. Unfortunately, the early season offensive woes persisted for the Gaels, who were limited to just 49 points in the game, falling 66-49.

Saint Mary's recent offensive drought continued into the first half of this one, as the Gaels were limited to just 18 points on 21% shooting, their lowest in a half this season. A persistent defensive effort would keep Saint Mary's in the contest, as they trailed the Musketeers by just 10 heading into the halftime break. The brightest spot for the Gaels in half number one was Augustas Marciulionis, who scored six while distributing a pair of assists and knocking down his first triple of the 2023-24 season.

The Gaels made improvements in the second half, but were not able to slow down the interior offense from Xavier, falling by 17.

Augustas Marciulionis led the Gaels with a career high tying 14 points and eight rebounds, while Mitchell Saxen ripped down a season best 13 rebounds.

AUGUSTAS BREAKS OUT
Shaking off his slow start to the season today was Augustas Marciulionis, matching his career best with 14 points. He last scored 14 in a win against Hofstra last season. Augustas also reeled in a career-high eight rebounds, and led the Gaels with three assists. The Gaels will look for Augustas to have more nights like tonight as the team's starting point guard.

WINNING ON THE GLASS
The Gaels did put together a solid rebounding performance, reaching 50 boards for the second time this season. Mitchell Saxen led the way with 14 rebounds, tying his career best mark. Saxen again was dominant on the offensive rebounding front, bringing down seven o-boards for the second consecutive game. He entered the night ranked 21st in the NCAA in offensive rebounds per contest, and will certainly climb even higher after tonight's performance. In total, the Gaels were +10 on the glass tonight.

A STRONG HOMECOMING
Joshua Jefferson enjoyed the best two game stretch of his young career in his hometown of Las Vegas. The sophomore scored 25 points over the two game tournament, including a career-high 13 tonight. Jefferson also tallied 12 rebounds and five assists over the two game stretch. Another new face to the Gaels starting lineup this year, Jefferson will need to continue his production, as the Gaels hope to break out of this current three game slump.

UP NEXT
The Gaels return home to host Davidson on Friday, November 24. Tip off is set for 1 PM.

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