MORAGA, Calif. — The Gaels (7-5) could not have asked for a better start to their final non-conference homestand, as they led wire-to-wire in a 71-34 victory over the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee (5-7). The Gaels used their clear size advantage to outmuscle the Blue Raiders on both sides of the ball, not allowing their opponent to get any easy looks while finding inside position on nearly every trip down the floor. Every Gael that dressed for the contest saw action in the game, with each recording at least one positive statistic.

The Gaels were red hot out of the gate, opening the game on 5-0 run, and responding to the first Middle Tennessee bucket with an 18-0 to establish a 23-3 lead early. The Gaels and Blue Raiders traded buckets at that point, bringing the score to 31-11, before Saint Mary's went on a brief scoring drought, eventually taking a 33-16 lead into the break. The Gaels were dominant on the offensive glass in the first half, with 14 of their 27 rebounds coming of the offensive variety and 14 of their 33 points, including their first 10 of the second chance variety. Alex Ducas led the Gaels with eight points at the half, while big men Mitchell Saxen and Harry Wessels each chipped in six. 

While the Gaels clearly had the game in hand coming out of the break, they kept the pedal to the metal, opening the second half on a 10-0 run as part of a 38-18 frame. The Saint Mary's centers continued to dominate in the paint against the Blue Raiders, as Harry Wessels and Mitchell Saxen combined for 21 of the Gaels 38 second half points, leading the charge in the victorious effort. 

It was a career night for Harry Wessels, who scored 20 points on 10-13 shooting, snapping a streak of eight games of single digit scoring. Wessels did all of his damage in just 17 minutes of play, embodying the phrase "efficient basketball". Alex Ducas and Mitchell Saxen each added 13 points, while Augustas Marciulionis added 10 points and three assists. Joshua Jefferson ripped down seven boards to lead the Gaels in yet another 40+ team rebound night. 

BIGS PLAYING BIG
Gaels centers Harry Wessels and Mitchell Saxen were the clear focal points of tonight's dominant Saint Mary's performance. Wessels scored a career high 20 points, connecting on 10-13 field goal attempts, all within the painted area. The defending National Player of the Week, Saxen took a backseat to Wessels, but still managed 13 points, including another solid performance at the charity stripe (5-6). The duo were a big reason as to why the Gaels dominated in nearly every "big man stat" including rebounding (+22), offensive rebounding (+14), points in the paint (+28), and second chance points (+23).

ANOTHER UNDER 60
The Gaels have now held five opponents under 60 points this season, and are 5-0 in those instances. Opponents are averaging just 58.9 points per game against the Gaels stifling defense, which currently ranks 11th in the country in defensive efficiency according to kenpom. Coming into tonight's matchup, only seven teams in the NCAA surrendered less than 60 points per contest. After tonight's performance, the Gaels will join that elite list that features No. 3 Houston, No. 22 Virginia, and RV Iowa State. 

THAT'S OUR BALL!
For the seventh time this season, the Gaels reached the 40 rebound mark, going 5-2 in such instances this season. Saint Mary's has out-rebounded their opponents in 10 of 12 contests this year, and are averaging 43.3 rebounds per contest this year, including 16.2 offensive rebounds per game. So far this season, the Gaels have come up with offensive rebounds on 40.8% of missed shots, good for sixth in the nation. 

UP NEXT
The Gaels will be back in action in less than 48 hours, as they will host Northern Kentucky on 12/21 for a 7 PM tip off. 

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