Leading the charge: Paulius Murauskas scored 20 points, brought down seven rebounds, and hit seven of eight from the free-throw line. / Photo by Tod Fierner for SMC Athletics
Gaels Win Defensive Battle Over Northern Iowa to Close Out Non-Conference Play on a High Note
Saint Mary’s secures 63–58 victory thanks to a six-point run to end the game. Paulius Murauskas leads the charge with 20 points, and Mikey Lewis adds 17.
Saint Mary's College secured a hard-fought 63–58 victory over the University of Northern Iowa on the night of Monday, December 22, at UCU Pavilion. The Gaels capitalized at the free-throw line, converting an impressive 25 of 27 attempts, including 12 straight over the final 6:18 to edge out the Panthers in a closely contested matchup.
Paulius Murauskas led the charge with 20 points, hitting seven of eight from the line and snagging seven rebounds—his seventh 20+ performance of the season. Mikey Lewis chipped in 17 points, shooting flawlessly (6–6) from the charity stripe and pulling down six rebounds. Harry Wessels made his presence felt with three blocks, seven rebounds, and nine points. Joshua Dent added eight points, two steals, and five rebounds, rounding out a strong team effort. Dillan Shaw contributed across the board with nine boards, two assists, two steals, and two blocks in a career-high 38 minutes.
Two Big Runs Add up to One Gritty Win
The Gaels overcame an early 12–4 deficit to bring things back to a one score game with a 6–0 run. UNI continued to keep themselves ahead throughout the half until Mikey Lewis connected with Harry Wessels for a layup with 12 seconds left to give Saint Mary's their first lead at 28–27. A Wessels block at the buzzer secured that lead and the Gaels went into the break ahead by one.
The Gaels used a 9–0 run, capped by a Mikey Lewis triple, in the early part of the second half to extend their lead out to its largest of the game, 44–38. The Panthers refused to go away, reclaiming a narrow 58–57 lead with 3:10 to go. But that proved to be the final score of the game for UNI, as the Gaels put the defensive clamps on, and closed things out on a 6–0 run to finish off the gritty win.
Saint Mary’s defense held Northern Iowa to a season-low 58 points.The Gaels also maintained their physical yet disciplined style, drawing 23 fouls while committing just 11. They capitalized on the trips to the stripe, once again shooting 90% or better from the line—for the third time this season. Saint Mary’s also dominated when it came to rebounds, gaining +17 advantage, including a +12 edge on offensive boards.
The win marks the Gaels’ 17th straight at home, the fourth longest streak in program history.
Up Next: Gaels vs. LMU Lions
Saint Mary's takes on Loyola Marymount University on Sunday, December 28 at 4 p.m. at Gersten Pavilion in Los Angeles. Watch the game on ESPN+.
