MBB | Gaels Put on Defensive Clinic in 72-45 Win at Pepperdine

Tuesday, December 30

Malibu, CA

6:00 PM

Saint Mary's College of California

13-2,2-0WCC

Pepperdine

5-10,0-2WCC

Saint Mary's (CA)

Pepperdine

Liam Campbell: 9 pts (2-3 FG, 1-2 3pt, 4-4 FT)

Photo by: Alex Ahedo

MBB | Gaels Put on Defensive Clinic in 72-45 Win at Pepperdine

12/30/2025 8:20:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score

MALIBU, Calif. — The Saint Mary's men's basketball team powered to a commanding 72-45 win over Pepperdine on Tuesday night at Firestone Fieldhouse. The Gaels showcased their muscle, outscoring the Waves 42-28 in the paint and finishing +10 on the glass, helping to a solid defensive performance.

Paulius Murauskas led the way with 19 points, hitting eight of his 15 shots, and grabbing five rebounds. Joshua Dent added 11 points and three assists, while Andrew McKeever contributed with eight point (on 4-4 shooting) and 10 rebounds along with three assists and two steals. Dillan Shaw also impressed defensively with seven points, three steals and a block.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Saint Mary's (13-2, 2-0 WCC) launched into the first half with a quick 7-1 run, with all seven scored by Mikey Lewis. That lead would balloon as large as 12 on a 7-0 run generated by Joshua Dent and Liam Campbell, but the Waves (5-10, 0-2 WCC) were able to widdle it down to single digits with three minutes to play. Dillan Shaw knocked down a triple on the Gaels final possession of the half, as they would take a 34-25 lead into the break.

The defense shined even brighter in the second half for the Gaels, limiting Pepperdine to just 20 second half points. A 9-0 run starting at at the 14 minute mark would give the Gaels a double-digit lead that they would not relinquish throughout the remainder of the contest, cruising to a 72-45 win.

Game Notes:

- The Gaels are off to their best start since 2019-20, with a 13-2 opening to the season.

- Paulius Murauskas led with 19 points on 8-15 shooting, scoring in double figures in 14 of 15 games and shooting 50% or better in eight games.

- Andrew McKeever was perfect from the field, contributing eight points, 10 rebounds, and three assists.

- Saint Mary's posted a flawless 10-10 from the free-throw line, a first since their perfect 6-6 performance at Firestone Fieldhouse in the 2022-23 campaign.

- The Gaels allowed just 45 points, their lowest against a Division I opponent this year.

- Dillan Shaw's defensive prowess was on display with three steals and a block.

- The Gaels held the Waves to season lows in points (45), 3-point percentage (17.4%), free throw attempts (4), and rebounds (25).

THE FINAL WORD

Saint Mary's will next host Portland on Friday, Jan. 2, at University Credit Union Pavilion in Moraga, California, tipping off at 7 p.m.

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

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