Saint Mary's defeats Portland 78-57
Saint Mary's Dominates Portland in Statement Win
In a convincing 78-57 victory, the Saint Mary's Gaels (H) showcased their dominance at home, handing visiting team Portland a tough defeat on January 3rd.
The gaels came out strong from the start, leading 42-27 at halftime and never looking back. The largest lead of the game was 26 points, with Saint Mary's maintaining control throughout.
Paulius Murauskas led the Gaels in scoring and rebounding, pouring in 24 points while grabbing seven rebounds and dishing out five assists. Joshua Dent chipped in with seven assists and seven points, as well as four rebounds and one steal.
On the other side of the court, Portland struggled to find its rhythm, shooting just 34.0% from the field and 11.0% from beyond the arc. Jermaine Ballisager Webb led the Pilots in scoring with 13 points but struggled with his outside shot, going 0-for-2 on three-point attempts.
The game was a testament to Saint Mary's superiority at home, where they boast an impressive record this season. The victory marked a statement win for the team, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure and dominate opponents when given the opportunity.
Advanced statistics told a similar story, with Saint Mary's boasting a 49.0% field goal percentage compared to Portland's 34.0%. The gaels also outrebounded the Pilots 35-35 but did hold a slight edge in turnovers, which played a crucial role in their victory.
In the end, it was clear that this game was never close, with Saint Mary's maintaining control from start to finish. As they continue on their quest for conference supremacy, one thing is certain: the Gaels are a force to be reckoned with at home.