Live to Die Another Day: Saint Mary’s Defeats Pacific

Saint Mary’s rallied from a ten point, first half deficit to defeat Pacific 79-73. Holt, Waldow, and Kerry Carter combined to score 69 points. The Gaels (14-5, 4-2) trailed by 11 at point before launching an epic second half comeback, fueled by hot three point shooting. The Tigers (10-7, 1-5) were led by Tony Gill (16 points) while four others were in double digits. However, four Tigers fouled out before the game was over. Saint Mary’s shot 41 free throws while Pacific shot 28.

Instant reaction: This was a game the Gaels needed to have, and down ten late in the first half, things were looking gloom. But Kerry Carter hit a three, and Saint Mary’s was able to overcome a seven point half time deficit by huge buckets from Waldow, Kerry Carter’s ability to knock down three after three and Stephen Holt driving to the lane, either getting an easy look or getting to the line. 16 of Holt’s 26 came from the charity stripe, while Carter hit 5 of his seven attempted three pointers.

Player of the game: Stephen Holt. Holt had two points before making two free throws with 1:35 left in the first half. His ability to take over the game and to combine with Waldow carried Saint Mary’s and kept their at-large hopes alive.

Turning moment: Carter’s three before the half  gave the Gaels some much needed momentum. However, Stephen Holt’s and-one layup with 11:10 gave the Gaels a three point lead that they never relinquished.

What’s next: Saint Mary’s returns on Thursday to play an up and coming Pepperdine team at McKeon Pavillion while Pacific hosts LMU.