MORAGA, Calif. — In a decisive victory on Saturday night, Paulius Murauskas spearheaded the Saint Mary’s Gaels with an impressive performance, scoring 30 points to guide them to a 77-56 triumph over Washington State.
Alongside his scoring prowess, Murauskas also secured 10 rebounds, contributing significantly to the team’s overall effort. The Gaels, boasting a record of 23-4 and sitting atop the West Coast Conference with a 13-1 mark, had notable support from Augustas Marciulionis, who added 16 points along with seven assists and four steals. Jordan Ross also made his presence felt, finishing with 12 points on a 4 of 10 shooting display, including a single successful three-pointer, while going a perfect 3 for 3 at the free throw line.
For the Cougars, LeJuan Watts was the standout scorer, netting 17 points and providing four assists. His teammate, Isaiah Watts, contributed with 12 points, six rebounds, and two blocks. Ethan Price rounded out the scoring for Washington State with 11 points. This performance left the Cougars with a season record of 16-11, including a 6-8 mark in conference play.
The defining moment of the game came when Saint Mary’s took the lead with just 1:31 left in the first half. Murauskas was pivotal during this period, scoring 20 points in the first half alone, which propelled the Gaels to a 38-34 advantage at halftime. They expanded their lead during the second half, going on a strong 16-2 run that established a 54-36 margin. Marciulionis was instrumental as well, leading the second-half scoring with 12 points, solidifying the Gaels’ win.
As both teams look ahead, they will be back on the court this Wednesday. Saint Mary’s is set to face Portland at home, while Washington State prepares to take on Gonzaga in their upcoming game.