The Saint Mary’s Gaels opened up the South Padre Island Classic by cruising to an 87-52 win over the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils. The Gaels improved to 4-0 with the win thanks to double digit performances by Mickey McConnell (22 points), Matt Dellavedova (14 points), and Rob Jones (13 points).
The Delta Devils took an early 7-6 lead but once SMC recaptured the lead it was all over from there. The basket to take the lead sent SMC on a 16-2 run that put the Gaels up 22-9 midway through the first half. SMC used a 46-33 rebounding advantage to dominate the rest of the way.
Mickey McConnell led the Gaels, shooting 6-of-9 from downtown. SMC could find themselves in a position of living and dying by the three in the 2010-2011 season. The Gaels do have some inside presence but they’ve it double digit three pointers in three straight games and appear to be a guard-heavy team for now.
Saint Mary’s will next face Chicago State Cougars on Tuesday at McKeon Pavilion, with a 7pm tip.