Gaels Look Sharp in Charity Tune-Up against Hawaii

Saint Mary's got an early chance to play in front of spectators while also helping raise money for a great cause on the evening of October 20, as the Gaels hit the hardwood inside the Stan Sheriff Center to take on the University of Hawaii to raise money for those affected by the Maui wildfires.

When the contest was all said and done, the Gaels cruised to a 92–58 victory in regulation time, while the two teams tied in a bonus-10 minute period 17–17. But both programs left holding their heads high, being able to use the game they love to help those in need. 

AM2: A Formula for Success

The Gaels backcourt duo of Aidan Mahaney and Augustas Marciulionis proved to be unstoppable in Friday night’s contest. Marciulionis, who is slated to take over for All-American Logan Johnson at the starting point guard position, got the Gaels going from the opening tip. The Vilnius, Lithuania, native scored 14 of his 22 points and dished out five of his six assists in the first half, helping the Gaels to a 17-point halftime lead.

The second half belonged to his starting backcourt mate Aidan Mahaney, who notched 16 of his 25 points following the halftime break. The Gaels returning leading scorer, Mahaney caught fire from beyond the arc in the second half, splashing home three triples in the first 11 minutes of the second frame, extending the Gaels lead to 30.

In total, the duo of Mahaney and Marciulionis combined for 47 of the Gaels 92 points on 16–26 (62%) shooting from the field, 5–9 (56%) shooting from three and a perfect 10–10 clip from the charity stripe.

Winning in the Trenches

With the exception of Mahaney's hot shooting from three, the Gaels did a majority of their damage on the interior. Forty-two of the Gaels’ 92 points came inside the painted area, while Hawaii was only able to generate 22 points in the paint, due to the Gaels’ stifling interior defense.

Starting center Mitchell Saxen not only did a majority of his scoring in the paint, but also was able to use his big frame to open space for guards like Marciulionis to find some wiggle room amongst the trees and score. The Gaels also used their size to generate interior scoring opportunities. And they were able to use their muscle to win the rebounding battle, 31–20. Luke Barrett was the Gaels leading rebounder, with eight total, most of which came with assists from post players like Saxen, Joshua Jefferson, and Mason Forbes, who were able to seal off the Hawaii posts from challenging for the boards.  

Ball Security

Over the years, a signature of Coach Randy Bennett-led teams is their ability to distribute and protect the basketball. If this match truly previews what is to be expected in the 2023–24 campaign, then this team should continue that trend. Against the Warriors, the Gaels notched 15 assists to just nine turnovers. Leading the charge on this front were Augustas Marciulionis (six assists, 1 turnover) and Chris Howell (three assists, no turnovers). 

Bonus Basketball

The two squads played an extra 10-minute frame to close out the evening, allowing for more players to see time on the court. This bonus period was the most tightly contested of the evening, ending in a 17–17 tie.

The Gaels fell behind 3–0 early before redshirt freshman Cade Bennett willed the team back ahead 4–3 with a smooth, left-handed finger roll, followed by a nice dish to an open Andrew McKeever. After a slow start from both sides, the floodgates opened with both squads scoring baskets on a majority of their possessions.

In the late goings, Hawaii looked to pull away, but Mason Forbes kept the Gaels right with them. With SMC down 15–13, Forbes imposed his will on the interior and hit a reverse layup to draw things level at 15 all. Hawaii responded with a bucket of their own, but the Gaels once again turned to the senior Forbes, who drew a foul and the ensuing possession, and knocked down both free throws to bring the score level at 17–17 with 30.5 ticks left. Hawaii missed the go-ahead shot as time expired, as the two teams called it a night with the final frame draw. 

Up Next

The Gaels open up their season at home on Monday, November 6 against the Stanislaus State Warriors. Tip-off is set for 7 PM inside UCU Pavilion. 

Don't miss out on magic in Moraga! Home game tickets on sale here.

READ MORE: This story as it was originally published at SMCGaels.com.

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