Saint Mary’s rolls to wire-to-wire win over New Mexico

Moraga, Calif. – In a game that had mid-major basketball fans salivating when the schedules were released, Saint Mary’s earned a wire-to-wire 72-58 win over New Mexico at the UCU Pavilion Thursday night.

The Gaels led 40-25 at halftime and extended the advantage to as much as 22 in the second half. Saint Mary’s limited the Lobos 33.3% shooting in the first half and 37.1% for the game.

Looking to avenge last season’s four-point loss, SMC jumped right out the gates on fire by scoring 13 of the game’s first 15 points to take a double-digit lead five minutes into the contest.

UNM made a push to pull within six with 3:45 remaining before halftime, but Saint Mary’s answered by closing the period with an 11-2 spurt.

Sophomore sensation Aidan Mahaney showed up once again in a big-time game. He tied a career-high with 25 points on 9-for-19 shooting, including 5-for-10 from 3-point land. The 6-foot-3-inch guard scored 21 in the first half. He also pulled down four rebounds.

Harry Wessels was also in double figures as he matched a career-best as well with 12 points to go along with five boards.

New Mexico was without Jaelen House. The Lobos were led by Donovan Dent’s career-high 15 points and five assists. Nelly Junior Joseph notched a double-double with 11 points and 13 boards in his second game as a Lobo.

The Gaels, who are traditionally one of the best defensive teams in the country, are now giving up an average of 43 points per game.

Saint Mary’s (2-0) is scheduled to host Weber State on Sunday before another highly anticipated showdown when it takes on San Diego State in the Continental Tires Main Event next Friday.

The Lobos (1-1) will look to bounce back at home against UT Arlington on Thursday before squaring off against Toledo in the Ball Dawgs Classic.