SALT LAKE CITY — In an impressive performance, Paulius Murauskas achieved a personal best with six shots from beyond the arc, totalling 29 points, as Saint Mary’s triumphed over Utah with a score of 72-63. Alongside him, Augustas Marciulionis contributed significantly, scoring 10 points while also dishing out eight assists during Saturday night’s game.

Utah’s Gabe Madsen showcased his scoring abilities during a critical moment, netting the last seven points in a decisive 13-0 run that brought Utah within six points with 13 minutes remaining. Caleb Lohner’s layup then reduced the score to 57-55 with just over four minutes left on the clock. However, shortly thereafter, Murauskas drained a three-pointer just eight seconds later, followed by being fouled on another shot from long range with 1:57 remaining. His successful free throw extended their lead to seven points, solidifying a two-possession game until the final buzzer.

For Saint Mary’s (9-1), Murauskas had an efficient shooting night, making 10 of 15 attempts from the field and sinking 6 of 10 from three-point territory. On the other hand, Utah (6-2) saw Madsen lead their scoring efforts with 15 points, while Miro Little made a notable contribution with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists.

With this loss, Utah had their impressive 11-game home winning streak come to an end. Madsen set the tone early in the game with a three-pointer that briefly gave the Utes a 6-4 edge, just under 18 minutes into the first half. However, Marciulionis quickly responded for Saint Mary’s with a three-pointer of his own just 20 seconds later, followed by a layup from Caleb Ross, and Murauskas added a bucket in the paint before landing another three-pointer, extending their lead to seven points within three minutes. The halftime score stood at 39-22 in favor of Saint Mary’s.

Making his basketball debut for the Utes, Lohner recorded eight points and five rebounds. The 6-foot-7 forward previously played 131 games over two seasons each at BYU and Baylor before transferring to Utah, where he also joined the football team. In the football season, the 250-pound tight end participated in all 12 games, registering four receptions, all of which were touchdowns, contributing a catch for a two-point conversion, and even blocking a field goal against Utah State.