IDAHO FALLS, ID — Saint Mary's shook off a slow start to hang tough with the Boise State Broncos, but could never pull ahead, falling 63-60 at the Mountain America Center in Idaho Falls. An early 11-0 run for the Broncos put momentum in their hands early, and while the Gaels closed out the game on a 60-52 run, it wasn't quite enough to best the Broncos in front of a raucous crowd dressed in blue and orange.

It was a nightmare start in Idaho Falls for the Gaels, who fell behind 11-0 in the first four minutes and change to the Broncos. It wasn't until the 13 minute mark that Aidan Mahaney buried a triple, the first field goal of the game for the Gaels. Turnover plagued the Gaels throughout the half, but the Saint Mary's defense would shape up in the latter part of the first half, as after the tough start, they would outscore the Broncos 24-23, and trailed by 10 at the halftime break. Playing the entire 20 minutes of the first half, Aidan Mahaney led the Gaels with eight points and a pair of assists, knocking down all three of his attempts at the free throw line. Unfortunately for the Gaels, Aidan was the exception at the charity stripe, as the Gaels went 7-16 from the free throw line in the first frame. 

The Gaels came out of the gate with much more defensive intensity in the second half, holding the Broncos to just a 38% clip from the field, as opposed to 57% in half one. As the defense went, so went the offense for Saint Mary's. The Gaels adjusted to the fact that their three point attempts were not dropping, scoring 14 field goals inside the arc. Saint Mary's would cut the deficit to just one point at the 38-37 at the 13:04 mark, but that would be as close as they would get, eventually falling by three. After behind held to just two points in the first half, Augustas Marciulionis scored 15 second half points helping the Gaels claw back into this one. 

Aidan Mahaney led all scorers with 19 points, while Augusts Marciulionis stuffed the stat sheet with 17 points, four assists and five steals. 

80 MINUTES AND COUNTING...
Aidan Mahaney did not leave the court this week, playing the full 80 minutes in the Gaels last two contests. Over that stretch, Aidan averaged 20.5 points per game and 3.5 assists per game. He continues to lead the team in scoring and assists this season, as he continues to prove that the many preseason watch lists he was named to were well deserved. 

RETURN TO SENDER
Mason Forbes came up with three timely shot blocks in the second half, as the Gaels attempted to mount a comeback against the Broncos. Forbes in now averaging a block per game as an excellent interior defender coming off the bench for Coach Bennett's squad. 

THE IDAHO FALLS BANDIT
Auguastas Marciulionis was a pestering presence on defense against Boise State. The Vilnius, Lithuania native came up with a career-high five thieveries against the Broncos, four of which came in the second half. Three of those steals led to fast-break buckets for the Gaels, including back-to-back fast break layups that brought the Gaels within one of the Broncos. 

UP NEXT
The Gaels will return home to host Cleveland State on Tuesday, December 5. Tip off is set for 7 pm.

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

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