PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — In a commanding performance, Jordan Ross contributed 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting, leading Saint Mary’s to a decisive 71-36 victory over Southern California on Thursday night during the Acrisure Classic.

With this victory, Saint Mary’s (7-0) has begun the season with its best record since the 2013-14 season, when they also achieved nine straight wins at the start. They are now set to compete against the winner of the Arizona State and New Mexico matchup in the championship game scheduled for Friday, while USC will face the losing team in the consolation round.

Paulius Murauskas and Augustas Marciulionis each added 11 points to the Gaels’ scoring effort, showcasing a balanced team performance.

For USC (5-2), Jordan Coehn was the standout player, finishing with 12 points. The game saw him briefly give USC a one-point edge with a score in the lane with 7:32 remaining in the first half. However, Ross responded quickly with a jumper just 26 seconds later, regaining the lead for the Gaels. Ashton Hardaway followed up with a three-pointer, while Cohen attempted to keep USC in the game with a layup that made the score 23-21 with five minutes left. However, USC struggled in the closing moments of the first half, committing two turnovers and missing four shots from the field, allowing Saint Mary’s to finish the half on a 9-0 run, taking an 11-point lead into halftime.

USC cut the lead to single digits early in the second half with a Cohen score, but Ross quickly responded with eight consecutive points for Saint Mary’s. Barrett then sealed a 12-2 run with back-to-back baskets, pushing the lead to 44-25 with 15 minutes left in the game.

Saint Mary’s maintained dominance in the second half, outscoring USC 39-15. The Trojans struggled offensively, managing to hit only 4 of their 23 attempts from the field, registering a mere 17% shooting rate after halftime.