Saint Mary's Defeats Portland 78-57 in Dominant Performance
Friday, January 2, 2026, 10:00 PM ET · University Credit Union Pavilion
Saint Mary's Gaels 78, Portland Pilots 57, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Portland Pilots vs Saint Mary's Gaels?
Saint Mary's Gaels beat Portland Pilots 78-57 at University Credit Union Pavilion on January 2, 2026.
Who was favored in Portland Pilots vs Saint Mary's Gaels?
Saint Mary's Gaels were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -3200 (about 97% implied). The favorite won.
In a commanding performance, the Saint Mary's Gaels secured a decisive 78-57 victory over the Portland Pilots at the University Credit Union Pavilion. This win extends Saint Mary's impressive home record to 15-2 and further solidifies their position in the NCAAB landscape. The Gaels have been on a strong run, currently riding a four-game winning streak, while Portland has struggled, suffering their fifth consecutive loss.
Saint Mary's has shown remarkable form in their last ten games, boasting an 8-2 record. They have averaged 75.2 points scored per game while allowing only 64.9 points, indicating a solid defensive effort alongside their offensive capabilities. Their recent victories include a notable 72-45 win against Pepperdine and a 78-73 triumph over Loyola Marymount, showcasing their ability to win both comfortably and in close contests. At home, they have been particularly dominant, winning all three of their last home games and averaging 73.6 points scored while allowing just 63.8 points in their last five outings.
In contrast, Portland's recent form has been less favorable, with a 3-7 record over their last ten games. The Pilots have averaged 78.0 points per game but have struggled defensively, allowing an average of 82.6 points. Their last five games have seen them win just once, with their most recent outing resulting in a close 85-92 loss to Santa Clara. Portland's away record has been particularly concerning, as they have yet to secure a win in their last three away games.
The historical context of this matchup adds to its intrigue, as Saint Mary's has won both previous meetings this season against Portland. The first encounter on January 5, 2025, ended with the Gaels triumphing 81-58, followed by a 79-66 victory on February 20, 2025. This continued success against the Pilots likely contributed to the Gaels' confidence heading into this game.
In terms of injuries, the block does not specify any notable absences that impacted either team during this matchup, allowing both squads to field their best lineups.
The betting market reflected Saint Mary's strong position, with DraftKings listing the Gaels as 18.5-point favorites and the money line set at -3200 for Saint Mary's compared to +1400 for Portland. The total points line was set at 146.5, indicating expectations for a moderately high-scoring game.
The game conditions were favorable, with no adverse weather or venue issues reported, allowing both teams to focus solely on the matchup.
Key moments in the game included a series of free throws and crucial baskets from Saint Mary's, which helped maintain their lead throughout. Notable scoring plays featured Cade Bennett and Rory Hawke converting free throws, while NaVaughn Long contributed with a three-point jumper and a jumper from close range, showcasing the Gaels' offensive depth.
Overall, the match highlighted Saint Mary's strength at home and their ability to capitalize on Portland's defensive weaknesses. The Gaels' balanced scoring and solid defense were pivotal in securing the win, marking a significant step in their season as they continue to build momentum.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | SMC -18.5 | 146.5 o -112 / u -108 | Portland Pilots +1400 · Saint Mary's Gaels -3200 |
Leaders
- PointsPaulius Murauskas24Saint Mary's Gaels
- AssistsJoshua Dent7Saint Mary's Gaels
- ReboundsPaulius Murauskas7Saint Mary's Gaels
- PointsJermaine Ballisager Webb13Portland Pilots
- AssistsJoel Foxwell6Portland Pilots
- ReboundsDante Censori-Hercules12Portland Pilots
Recent form
Saint Mary's Gaels
Last 10: 8-2Streak W475.2 scored · 64.9 allowed per game3-0 at home
- W72-45at Pepperdine WavesDec 31
- W78-73at Loyola Marymount LionsDec 29
- W63-58vs Northern Iowa PanthersDec 23
- W88-75vs Florida Atlantic OwlsDec 20
- L67-68at Boise State BroncosDec 14
- W70-61at Davidson WildcatsDec 7
- L71-96at Vanderbilt CommodoresNov 28
- W77-66at Virginia Tech HokiesNov 27
- W70-65at Wichita State ShockersNov 27
- W96-42vs UC Merced BobcatsNov 23
Portland Pilots
Last 10: 3-7Streak L478 scored · 82.6 allowed per game0-3 away
- L85-92vs Santa Clara BroncosDec 31
- L62-67vs Washington State CougarsDec 28
- L61-79at UC Santa Barbara GauchosDec 22
- L69-94at Oregon DucksDec 18
- W88-78vs Kent State Golden FlashesDec 14
- W104-87vs Lewis & Clark River OttersDec 6
- L72-94at Stanford CardinalDec 2
- W93-73vs Long Beach State BeachNov 27
- L66-76vs St. Thomas TommiesNov 23
- L80-86vs Northern Colorado BearsNov 23
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gonzaga | 31-4 | - | 16-2 |
| Saint Mary's | 27-6 | - | 16-2 |
| Santa Clara | 26-9 | 1 | 15-3 |
| Oregon State | 17-16 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Seattle U | 21-14 | 8 | 8-10 |
| Pacific | 18-15 | 8 | 8-10 |
| San Francisco | 17-16 | 8 | 8-10 |
| Washington State | 12-20 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Loyola Marymount | 15-17 | 10 | 6-12 |
| Portland | 15-19 | 10 | 6-12 |
| San Diego | 12-21 | 11 | 5-13 |
| Pepperdine | 9-23 | 12 | 4-14 |
Box score
| Stat | Portland Pilots | Saint Mary's Gaels |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 21-61 | 26-53 |
| Field goal % | 34 | 49 |
| Three-pointers | 2-19 | 10-26 |
| Three-point % | 11 | 38 |
| Free throws | 13-15 | 16-21 |
| Free throw % | 87 | 76 |
| Rebounds | 33 | 36 |
| Offensive rebounds | 13 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 20 | 27 |
| Assists | 16 | 19 |
| Steals | 4 | 6 |
| Blocks | 4 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 9 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 2 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 4 | 17 |
| Fast-break points | 12 | 13 |
| Points in the paint | 34 | 28 |
| Fouls | 17 | 13 |
| Largest lead | 2 | 26 |
| Lead changes | 1 | 1 |
| Time in front | 1 | 95 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half27-48Dillan Shaw makes 24-foot three point jumper (Joshua Dent assists)
- 2nd Half28-48Mikah Ballew makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half29-48Mikah Ballew makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half30-48James O'Donnell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half31-48James O'Donnell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half31-49Paulius Murauskas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half31-50Paulius Murauskas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half34-50Joel Foxwell makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half34-52Harry Wessels makes 1-foot dunk (Paulius Murauskas assists)
- 2nd Half36-52Matúš Hronský makes 11-foot pullup jump shot (Garrett Nuckolls assists)
- 2nd Half36-54Harry Wessels makes layup (Paulius Murauskas assists)
- 2nd Half36-56Harry Wessels makes 1-foot dunk (Dillan Shaw assists)
- 2nd Half38-56Matúš Hronský makes layup (Joel Foxwell assists)
- 2nd Half38-57Joshua Dent makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half38-58Joshua Dent makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half39-58Jermaine Ballisager Webb makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half40-58Jermaine Ballisager Webb makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half40-61Paulius Murauskas makes 23-foot three point jumper (Joshua Dent assists)
- 2nd Half40-64Liam Campbell makes 24-foot three point jumper (Mantas Juzenas assists)
- 2nd Half41-64Jermaine Ballisager Webb makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half41-65Harry Wessels makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half41-67Rory Hawke makes layup
- 2nd Half42-67James O'Donnell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half44-67Kelson Gebbers makes 21-foot jumper (Joel Foxwell assists)
- 2nd Half46-67Jermaine Ballisager Webb makes 7-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half46-68Paulius Murauskas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half46-70Paulius Murauskas makes layup (Tony Duckett assists)
- 2nd Half48-70Jermaine Ballisager Webb makes 1-foot dunk (Kelson Gebbers assists)
- 2nd Half48-71Tony Duckett makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half48-72Tony Duckett makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-72James O'Donnell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half50-72James O'Donnell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half50-73Cade Bennett makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half50-74Cade Bennett makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half50-75Rory Hawke makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half50-76Rory Hawke makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-76NaVaughn Long makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jermaine Ballisager Webb assists)
- 2nd Half53-78Rory Hawke makes layup (Andrew McKeever assists)
- 2nd Half55-78NaVaughn Long makes 9-foot jumper (Jermaine Ballisager Webb assists)
- 2nd Half57-78Preston Lee makes driving layup
Win probability
Above the line favours Saint Mary's Gaels, below favours Portland Pilots.
Venue
- University Credit Union PavilionMoraga, CA
- Attendance3372
- OfficialsRandy McCall, Deron White, John Jenkins Jr.
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Picks for NCAAB
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These two, other days
- Saint Mary's Gaels Defeat Portland Pilots 75-69Jan 24, 2026