Last Saturday was a historic win for the Saint Mary’s Gaels. Randy Bennett’s squad entered this marquee matchup ranked 23rd in the nation. Gonzaga entered the game ranked the top team in the country and it has been this way for the majority of the season. Earlier this season in Spokane, the Zags were able to control the game and handle SMC comfortably in a 74-58 victory. Last weekend was a much different story. The Gaels started the game on fire and never really looked back. The Gaels started the game on an 8-0 run, but this game was won on the defensive end for Saint Mary’s. Entering this matchup the Gaels had the 9th ranked scoring defense in all of college basketball. This was evident throughout the game. Gonzaga has the number one ranked scoring offense in the county and averages roughly 88 points per game. SMC was able to hold the Zags to just 57 points. Their relentless defense resulted in Saint Mary’s dominating the game and playing it at their own, slow pace. Star Gonzaga forward Drew Timme shot just 2-10 from the field, which just about never happens. The Gaels had four starters in double figures and were led by senior guard Tommy Kuhse who finished with 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. 

The Gaels have not beaten their fiercest rivals since the 2019 WCC tournament final. This was only the Gaels second win over Gonzaga in the past 10 meetings. Come NCAA tournament time the Zags are locked in at a one seed, while SMC looks set to be a 5th-7th seed depending on their success in the WCC tournament in two days time. The Gaels take on Santa Clara on Monday and Gonzaga will play San Francisco. These two could meet again in the WCC Tournament final on Tuesday and it would be a wonderful game with the season series tied at one a piece.