MORAGA, Calif. — Coming off of a momentous performance against Davidson on Friday, the Saint Mary's Gaels (3-4) welcomed the Utah Utes (4-2) to town for a sold out affair inside UCU Pavilion. The Gaels and Utes locked in a tight battle for the majority of the contest, with neither team truly able to pull away from the other. Utah took their largest lead at 67-52 with under five to go, but the Gaels came storming back, cutting the deficit to four. Unfortunately, that was as close as they would get, as the Utes would fein off the late Gaels effort, winning 78-71.

This game had all the makings of an instant classic in the first half, as both squads found themselves locked in a 38-38 stalemate at the halftime break. Both teams shot better than 45% from the field and drained a combined 11 three pointers. Aidan Mahaney was the driving offensive force in the first frame, with 14 points. 

As offensively heavy the first half was, half number two was all about physical defense. Neither team made more than ten field goals, as clearly both Coach Bennett and Coach Smith had similar conversations at halftime. Statistically, both teams were quite even once again, with Utah's lone major advantage coming with trips earned and converted at the free throw line (21-28 in the second half). Down 15 with 4:44 to go, the Gaels mounted a furious comeback attempt, going on a 16-5 run sparked by Mahaney and Alex Ducas. Saint Mary's would continue to battle, keeping the deficit at two possessions until the final three seconds, but couldn't clear the final hurdle in the hard fought effort.

Aidan Mahaney's offense was once again stellar for the Gaels, scoring 22 points on 9-13 shooting and 3-6 shooting from three, and playing the entire 40 minute contest. Aidan also led the Gaels with five assists. Joining Aidan in double figures were Alex Ducas (16 points, 5-9 FG, 4-7 3pt) and Joshua Jefferson (14 points, 8 rebounds). Mitchell Saxen led all rebounders with 10, making it his third consecutive double-digit rebounding effort. In total, the Gaels once again won the rebounding battle, 35-33. 

TOO GOOD TO STEP OFF
Aidan Mahaney did it all for the Gaels tonight, and, as such, saw the entire 40 minutes of game time on the court. Aidan led all scorers with 22, draining a season-high nine buckets. Aidan also led any player on the floor tonight with five assists, tying his career mark, while turning the ball over just once. Coming into the season, Gaels fans knew of Aidan's prolific scoring ability, but he has proven this year to be a playmaker as well, leading his squad with 23 assists (3.3 per game).

A REBOUNDING MACHINE
Mitchell Saxen once again put up a double-digit rebounding effort, marking his third in the last three contests. The senior out of Seattle is now averaging 9.1 rebounds per contest, including 5.1 O-boards per game. Mitchell helped lead the Gaels to double digit second chance points, something they have been able to accomplish in every matchup this season. 

TAKING CARE OF THE BASKETBALL
The Gaels only turned the ball over nine times tonight, their lowest mark since the season opening win against DII Stanislaus State. Saint Mary's also forced Utah to turn the ball over nine times, however, one of the major differences in this game was Utah's ability to score at a higher frequency than the Gaels off of said turnovers (12-7). 

UP NEXT
The Gaels will now head to Idaho Falls for a neutral site contest against Boise State. Tip off is set for 7:30 PM on Friday, December 1. 

​​DON'T MISS OUT ON HOME MEN'S BASKETBALL ACTION. TICKETS ARE ON SALE HERE. 

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