MBB | Gaels Grind it Out, Come up Just Short at No. 6 Gonzaga, 73-65

Saturday, January 31

Spokane, WA

7:30 PM

Saint Mary's College of California

19-4,8-2WCC

Gonzaga

22-1,10-0WCC

Saint Mary's (CA)

Gonzaga

Dillan Shaw: 13 pts (3-7 FG, 2-5 3pt, 5-5 FT)

Photo by: Karina Gonzalez

MBB | Gaels Grind it Out, Come up Just Short at No. 6 Gonzaga, 73-65

1/31/2026 10:30:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score

SPOKANE, Wash. — Saint Mary's made their final trek to Spokane as WCC foes of Gonzaga, and battled to the bitter end, ultimately falling, 73-65. Now with a game against the sixth ranked Zags under their belts, the Gaels will look to build off of tonight's performance to try and get the best of Gonzaga in Moraga on February 28.

The Gaels had a trio of double-digit scorers, led by Joshua Dent, who tallied 16 on 6-12 shooting. Dent also ripped down six boards and dished out a team-high three dimes. Paulius Murauskas added 15 and four boards, while Dillan Shaw buried a pair of three pointers en route to 13.

HOW IT HAPPENED
Paulius Murauskas gave the Gaels (19-4, 8-2 WCC) an early 2-0 lead, setting the tone for an impressive offensive first half for the junior out of Lithuania. Gonzaga (22-1, 10-0 WCC) battled back, but the Gaels never bowed out of the fight, and utilized a 12-2 run going into the break to take a 38-34 lead.

The Gaels extended their lead out to six points, their largest, at the 16:43 mark of the second half, but the Zags were able to weather the Gael storm, and ultimately took their final lead with 11:58 to go in the contest, ultimately holding onto an eight point lead when the final horn sounded.

GAME NOTES

In his first game playing against Gonzaga, Josh Dent led Saint Mary's with 16 points.
Dent has now scored in double figures in five of his last six contests.
Paulius Murauskas had his highest scoring tally against the Zags in four games, scoring 15.
Dillan Shaw became the second consecutive true freshman Gael to score in double figures in his Kennel debut.
Saint Mary's made 20+ free throws (23) for the 10th time this season, and shot at 90% or better (92%) for the sixth time.
The Gaels held Gonzaga to their fourth lowest scoring total of the year.

The Gaels will return home to host San Diego on February 4. Tip off is set for 7 PM on Wednesday night.

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