What's Happening?
Saint Mary's Gaels defeated the Loyola Marymount Lions 78-73 in a closely contested West Coast Conference opener. The game, held on December 28, 2025, saw Dillan Shaw lead the Gaels with 18 points, including a crucial 3-pointer in the final seconds. Joshua Dent contributed 14 points and five assists, while Paulius Murauskas added 13 points and nine rebounds for Saint Mary's. Rodney Brown Jr. was the standout for Loyola Marymount, scoring 22 points. The game was tied at halftime, but Saint Mary's managed to pull ahead in the second half, securing their first conference win of the season.
Why It's Important?
This victory is significant for Saint Mary's as it sets a positive tone for their West Coast Conference campaign. With this win, the Gaels improve their record
to 12-2 overall and 1-0 in the conference, positioning themselves as strong contenders. For Loyola Marymount, the loss marks a challenging start to their conference play, dropping their record to 9-5 overall. The outcome of this game could influence the standings and momentum for both teams as they progress through the season, impacting their chances for postseason play.
What's Next?
Saint Mary's will look to build on this victory as they continue their conference schedule, aiming to maintain their strong performance and secure a top position in the standings. Loyola Marymount will need to regroup and address their shortcomings to improve their performance in upcoming games. Both teams will face other conference opponents in the coming weeks, which will be crucial in determining their standings and potential postseason opportunities.
