MORAGA, Calif. - A shorthanded Santa Clara men's basketball team gave West Coast Conference leader Saint Mary's all they could handle Tuesday night, ultimately falling just short at the University Credit Union Pavilion. A layup from
Johnny O'Neil, who was just two points shy of his season high 20 points, tied the game with five-and-a-half minutes to play, but Saint Mary's went on a 9-0 run over the next three minutes to cement the 73-64 victory. The Broncos saw a career night from
Jake Ensminger, who hit a career best three treys, scoring a season high 13 points, while
Carlos Stewart Jr. tied a career high six assists, his team leading third game with five or more.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- A 9-0 Saint Mary's run put them ahead 20-12 with eight minutes left in the first half as the Broncos went over five minutes without a bucket. However, Santa Clara (17-10, 9-5) quickly answered the punch as two free throws from Johnny O'Neil, who led the Broncos with 12 first half points, capped an 8-2 spurt to cut the Gaels lead to two with four minutes left.
- Augustus Marciulionis scored the final eight points of the first half for Saint Mary's (22-4, 12-1) as the Gaels took a seven point lead heading into the break.
- After a trey from Camaron Tongue, a 9-2 Gaels run put them up 10. But a career high third three pointer from Jake Ensminger and two free throws from Carlos Stewart Jr. capped a 10-4 Broncos run to cut the Gaels lead to one with nine minutes left.
- A layup from O'Neil tied it, but a 9-0 Saint Mary's run put them up 68-57 with two-and-a-half to play. Four quick points from the Broncos made it interesting, but a layup and free throws from Marciulionis, who had a game high 23 points, sealed the Gaels 73-64 victory.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:
- Santa Clara hit nine three pointers tonight, the most Saint Mary's has allowed in a conference game this season.
- The Broncos held Saint Mary's to 31 rebounds, their third fewest in league play this season.
- Johnny O'Neil had his ninth game of the season in double figures with 18 points, just two shy of his season high.
- Camaron Tongue had his ninth game of the season in double figures and fourth in the last six contests with 11 points.
- Jake Ensminger had a season high 13 points, hitting a career best three treys.
- Carlos Stewart Jr. tied a career best six assists, his team leading third game with five or more, adding nine points.
POSTGAME COMMENTS:
UP NEXT: The Broncos return home to the Leavey Center for a matchup with LMU next Thursday, Feb. 20 at 8 p.m. on ESPN2.
