After an early run by Loyola Marymount, the St. Mary’s Gael’s have stepped on the gas to take a 41-31 lead at the end of the first half. Saint Mary’s is hosting the Lions at McKeon Pavilion looking to improve to 8-1 in West Coast Conference play. The Lions played the Gaels fairly even through the first eight minutes of the half, but St. Mary’s has been able to extend their lead to a more comfortable ten point margin.
This lead comes even as team leader and WCC player of the year candidate Mickey McConnell has been held to five points. He’s more than made up for it with his passing skills, dishing out six assists in the half. McConnell has had as many as 15 assists in a game this season, but hasn’t cracked double digits since January 15. As long as the other Gaels are scoring and they can keep the game in hand, McConnell will likely crack double digits in assists.
Rob Jones is currently leading the Gaels with 13 points, while Matthew Dellavedova has 11 points. The Gaels closed out their first half scoring on a high note as Rob Jones converted an alley-oop pass from McConnell. LMU had some chances to cut the halftime lead to single digits but struggled closing out the half. The Lions were held scoreless over the final 2:47 of the half.