Arguable the best Bracketbuster game of the day has entered halftime with the St. Mary’s Gaels leading the Utah State Aggies 36-27. Saint Mary’s struggled early but used a 20-2 run late in the half to take control of the game. Utah State went 6:17 without any points and almost nine minutes without a field goal. The Gaels took a twelve point lead at one point, but struggled closing out the half.
St. Mary’s has taken control of the game courtesy of a very balanced effort as they have three players with at least seven points. Mickey McConnell and Mitchell Young each scored eight points, while Rob Jones added seven points. St. Mary’s also has 13 assists to Utah State’s three as five of the eight Gaels have at least two assists.
Although this is not an “elimination” type of game, this Bracketbuster matchup is key for both teams. The Gaels are coming off a tough loss at San Diego and a win over Utah State would get them back on the right side of the bubble. Utah State lacks a marque win having beaten nobody in the RPI Top 100. A win over St. Mary’s doesn’t lock up anything for Utah State, but it would give them a strong win and also a potential tiebreaker over another bubble team if both teams lose in their respective conference tournaments.