Saint Mary’s Dominates USC in Palm Desert Showdown
In a stunning display of basketball prowess, the Saint Mary’s Gaels overwhelmed the USC Trojans with a decisive 71-36 victory at the Acrisure Classic in Palm Desert on Thursday night.
The game, which took place at the Acrisure Arena, showcased the Gaels’ offensive firepower and defensive tenacity, leaving the Trojans struggling to find their rhythm.
Jordan Ross emerged as the star of the night, leading Saint Mary’s with an impressive 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting. His efficient performance epitomized the Gaels’ overall dominance on the court.
Gaels’ Hot Streak Continues
The victory extends Saint Mary’s unbeaten run to 7-0, marking their best start since the 2013-14 season when they tied the program record with nine consecutive wins to open the campaign. This win solidifies their position as a formidable force in college basketball this season.
USC’s Offensive Struggles
The Trojans, who entered the game averaging a robust 79.7 points per game, were stifled by the Gaels’ suffocating defense. USC’s usually potent offense was held to a mere 36 points, a far cry from its season average.
First Half Dominance
Saint Mary’s set the tone early, establishing a commanding 32-21 lead by halftime. The Gaels’ balanced attack and defensive pressure proved too much for USC to handle, as the Trojans struggled to close the gap in the second half.
Key Players
While Jordan Ross led Saint Mary’s in scoring, the team’s success was collective. In previous games, players like Mitchell Saxen and Luke Barrett had shown their capabilities with double-doubles, indicating the depth and versatility of the Gaels’ roster.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, Saint Mary’s advances to the championship game of the Acrisure Classic. On Friday, they will face the Arizona State vs. New Mexico matchup winner. Meanwhile, USC will play in the consolation game against the loser of that contest.
Implications for Both Teams
This win further cements Saint Mary’s status as a team to watch in the NCAA. Their undefeated record and dominant performances suggest they could be serious contenders as the season progresses.
USC, on the other hand, will need to regroup quickly. This loss, their second of the season, exposes areas for improvement, particularly in their ability to score against elite defenses. Coach Eric Musselman and his staff will likely use this game as a learning experience to refine their strategies moving forward.
Saint Mary’s and USC will be teams to watch as the college basketball season heats up. The Gaels look to continue their winning streak, while the Trojans aim to bounce back from this setback and regain their offensive prowess.