MORAGA, Calif. – In a game that featured 11 ties and six lead changes, the No. 20 Saint Mary's Gaels pulled away late for a 51-41 victory over the Portland Pilots Thursday night at McKeon Pavilion. The Gaels improve to 22-2 overall and 12-1 in West Coast Conference play, while the Pilots drop to 9-16 and 2-11 in league play.
Free throws made the difference in the second half as the Gaels converted 14-of-18 from the line after the half. Portland finished 7-for-7 in the game. The game was tied at 22 at the half.
Andre Ferguson converted a three-point play to give the Pilots a 29-28 lead early in the second half, but the Gaels answered with 16-6 run sparked by an Emmett Naar three-pointer and two layups.