Saint Mary's asserted their dominance over St. Thomas, cruising to an 84-58 victory at the University Credit Union Pavilion. The Gaels' impressive performance was fueled by Mikey Lewis, who led the team with 23 points. Lewis' scoring prowess was complemented by a well-rounded effort from his teammates, including Joshua Dent, who chipped in 18 points and 6 assists, and Paulius Murauskas, who contributed 17 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists.
The Gaels set the tone early, taking a 35-25 lead into halftime. St. Thomas' Nolan Minessale tried to keep his team in the game, scoring 24 points and grabbing 5 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Gaels' balanced attack. In the second half, Saint Mary's continued to pull away, outscoring St. Thomas 49-33 to seal the 26-point victory.
Minessale's performance was a bright spot for St. Thomas, but the team struggled to find consistency on offense. Nick Janowski added 14 points for the Bobcats, but they couldn't match the Gaels' depth and talent. Saint Mary's, on the other hand, had three players score in double figures, showcasing their ability to score from multiple positions.
The win improves Saint Mary's record to 19-3, solidifying their position as a top contender in the country. With a NET ranking of 30, the Gaels are well-positioned for a strong tournament seed. This victory, classified as a Q3 win, further boosts their resume, demonstrating their ability to dominate against quality opponents.
For St. Thomas, the loss drops their record to 17-5, but they still boast a respectable NET ranking of 114. Although this game was considered a Q1 opportunity for the Bobcats, the loss doesn't significantly harm their tournament chances. However, they must regroup and refocus to make a push for a postseason berth.
The Gaels' impressive performance is a reflection of their strength and depth. With players like Lewis, Dent, and Murauskas leading the charge, they have the talent and chemistry to make a deep run in the tournament. As the season progresses, Saint Mary's want to build on this momentum, using games like this as a springboard to even greater success. With their resume continuing to grow, the Gaels are making a strong case for a top seed in the tournament.