Santa Clara's Sash Gavalyugov stole the show at the Leavey Center, scoring a career-high 37 points to lead the Broncos to a resounding 103-72 victory over Loyola Marymount. The win marked a strong performance by Santa Clara, who improved to 17-5 on the season. Gavalyugov's impressive outing was complemented by 17 points from Elijah Mahi and 16 points along with 6 rebounds from Allen Graves, as the Broncos' offense clicked on all cylinders.
The game was all but over by halftime, with Santa Clara taking a commanding 45-30 lead into the break. Loyola Marymount struggled to find their footing, with their top performer Jalen Shelley scoring 18 points, but it wasn't enough to keep pace with the high-powered Broncos offense. Shelley also added 6 rebounds to his tally, but his efforts were overshadowed by Gavalyugov's dominant display.
In the second half, Santa Clara continued to pour it on, outscoring Loyola Marymount 58-42 to seal the 31-point victory. The Broncos' bench also made significant contributions, with several players chipping in to help build the insurmountable lead. Myron Amey Jr. and Aaron McBride added 12 and 9 points respectively for Loyola Marymount, but their team's defensive struggles proved too much to overcome.
The convincing win for Santa Clara will likely have a positive impact on their tournament resume, as they continue to build momentum with their 17-5 record. This game, classified as a Quadrant 4 matchup for the Broncos, was a must-win to avoid a potential resume stain. On the other hand, Loyola Marymount, who fell to 11-11, want to regroup and refocus after a tough loss in a Quadrant 1 matchup.
While the final score may not have been surprising given the disparity in the teams' records, the margin of victory was a reflection of Santa Clara's depth and talent. Gavalyugov's performance, in particular, will be one to remember, as he led his team to a dominant win. As the season wears on, Santa Clara want to build on this momentum, while Loyola Marymount will aim to bounce back from the disappointing loss.
The win solidifies Santa Clara's position as a strong mid-major program, with their 45 net ranking a reflection of their consistency this season. With the victory, the Broncos take a significant step forward in their pursuit of a tournament berth, while Loyola Marymount's chances take a hit. As the tournament picture begins to take shape, Santa Clara's dominant performance will undoubtedly be a key factor in their resume, making a strong case for their inclusion in the NCAA tournament.