Mikey Lewis delivered an outstanding performance by scoring 31 points and making seven three-pointers, leading the Saint Mary’s Gaels to a 70-59 victory over the No. 9 Gonzaga Bulldogs on Saturday night. This win secured Saint Mary’s a share of the West Coast Conference (WCC) regular-season title, marking their fourth consecutive year of at least a shared championship.
The Gaels, who improved their record to 27-4 overall and 16-2 in the WCC, showcased resilience by rallying from a seven-point halftime deficit. They have now achieved seven consecutive victories and remain undefeated at home with a remarkable streak of 26 straight wins in Moraga.
In addition to Lewis, Joshua Dent contributed 14 points, while Mantas Juenaz added 12 points for the Gaels. Despite Gonzaga’s strong season record of 28-3 and also 16-2 in the WCC, they faced difficulties during the game, particularly in the second half. Graham Ike led the Bulldogs with 17 points before fouling out with four minutes remaining. Adam Miller and Tyon Grant-Foster supported with 14 and 13 points, respectively.
Thrilling Rivalry Ends Regular Season on High Note
This matchup marked the final regular-season contest for both teams as Gonzaga prepares to join the Pac-12 next season. For over two decades, Saint Mary’s and Gonzaga have dominated the WCC, collectively winning or sharing the conference title for an impressive 27 seasons. The game was a testament to this storied rivalry, filled with intense moments and thrilling plays.
As the second half unfolded, the Gaels demonstrated their determination by tying the game with 11 minutes left on the clock. A pivotal moment came during a 23-6 run, powered by Lewis’s three three-pointers and a total of 11 points during that stretch. Gonzaga’s performance faltered as they missed seven of their first nine shots in the second half, experiencing a three-minute scoreless period.
Grant-Foster managed to spark a brief resurgence for Gonzaga with six points in three minutes, while Graham added a crucial eight points, including a vital three-point play. Despite their efforts, the Bulldogs could not regain control, allowing Saint Mary’s to pull away for the victory.
Looking Ahead to the Conference Tournament
With the regular season concluded, Gonzaga has already secured the top seed for the upcoming WCC tournament, which begins on March 9, 2024. The Bulldogs will enjoy multiple byes into the semifinals. Meanwhile, Saint Mary’s, now positioned as the No. 2 seed, will also advance directly to the semifinals, looking to continue their success in the postseason.
This victory solidifies Saint Mary’s status as a formidable contender in the WCC and further emphasizes the competitive spirit that characterizes their rivalry with Gonzaga. As both teams prepare for the tournament, the anticipation grows for what promises to be an exciting culmination to the college basketball season.
