LOS ANGELES — After last season's overtime thriller in LA, the Gaels (11-6, 2-0 WCC) were primed for battle with the LMU Lions (7-9, 0-2 WCC). In a punch and counter punch style of game, the two teams battled back and forth, but it was the Gaels who struck the final blow, defeating LMU 68-64 on Saturday evening. The Gaels now move to 2-0 in WCC play on the road, and will have their first home conference tilt this upcoming Thursday.

The Gaels never trailed in the first half, but could not ever pull away from the pesky Lions, never leading by more than six. Augustas Marciulionis led the charge in the first half for Saint Mary's with nine points on 3-6 shooting and a pair of assists. What kept the Gaels ahead throughout the half was their valuing of the basketball, as the team racked up 11 assists to just one turnover, while LMU turned it over eight times. 

LMU came out of the halftime break with a vengeance, opening the half on a 11-5 run to take their first lead of the game at 42-40. The Gaels seemed to weather the storm after responding with a 13-4 run of their own, to build their largest lead of the game at 53-46, but the Lions continued to chip away, eventually regaining the lead at 62-61. The two teams traded buckets over the final three minutes and change, but a top by the Gaels with one minute remaining a free throws from Alex Ducas and Aidan Mahaney put the game on ice, 68-64. Marciulionis continued to lead the Gaels throughout the game, dropping 13 points in the second half, while not leaving the court, while Mahaney added nine second half points. 

Overall, it was a career-high performance from Augustas Marciulionis, who scored 22 points. Aidan Mahaney chipped in 14 points, while Mitchell Saxen added 10. Joshua Jefferson ripped down nine boards to lead the Gaels on the glass, while Alex Ducas dished out four dimes. The Gaels valued the basketball throughout the game, turning it over just four times throughout the game.  

MARCIUILIONIS STAYS RED HOT
Augustas Marciulionis scored a career best 22 points on the evening to lead all scorers. Over the last 10 games, Augustas has averaged 14.3 points per game. Marciulionis also added three assists, marking his 10th consecutive 3+ assist contest. Over the last 10, he has also averaged 5.1 assists per contest.  

VALUING THE BASKETBALL
The Gaels turned the ball over just four times, making their assist turnover ratio 4:1 on the evening. The turnover number was the Gaels lowest mark since 2/22/20, when they only turned the ball over three times against San Diego. 

THE AVENGERS 
The Gaels were able to avenge last season's overtime upset at the hands of LMU, when the Lions shocked Saint Mary's 78-74. In that contest, the Gaels turned the ball over 12 times, something they certainly cleaned up in this time around. 

UP NEXT
The Gaels will open WCC home play by hosting Portland on January 11. Tip off is set for 8 PM. 

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

#GaelsRise