Mahaney, Wessels have career days as Gaels rout Lobos

Saint Mary’s successfully sought revenge Nov. 9 when New Mexico came to Moraga

Image c/o Jed Jacobsohn/Associated Press

By Drew Paxman
Editorial Designer/Sports Writer

​

Under the bright Thursday night lights in a packed University Credit Union Pavilion, the Gaels warmed up with only one thing on their mind: revenge against the team that broke their home winning streak a season ago, the New Mexico Lobos. The result was a 72-58 dominant victory for Saint Mary’s.

“I was ready to go from the jump,” said sophomore guard Aidan Mahaney, who scored a career high-tying 25 points in the game.

The game was a blowout from the get-go, in large part due to Maheney’s phenomenal 21-point first half performance.

“Whatever my team needs I’m here for it,” remarked Mahaney. “[Mickey] McConnell and the offensive coaches do a really good job at getting us some great sets. From there we just follow his execution and try to do it to the best of our ability.”

Sophomore center Harry Wessels dominated in the paint, scoring a career high-tying 12 points and career high four offensive rebounds. Wessels believes the key to the team’s success is maintaining the team’s “gritty not pretty” motto.

“We’re gonna be overlooked sometimes…and it’s not always gonna be easy but we’re just gonna go out there and try hard every time,” Wessels said. “We have guys that are extremely tough, and toughness is something we preach and pride ourselves on everyday.”

Wessels not only displayed physical toughness throughout his 14 minutes of action, but mental toughness as well. With 8:46 left to play, Wessels picked up his fourth foul. Despite having a career-day up to that point, the sophomore center knew he had to make a change.

“It’s just the focus on details as far as…showing the refs you’re playing clean,” he said. “You think about it a little bit–cleaning up. But you still got to go out there and play hard.”

Since their 72-58 win over the Lobos, the Gaels have fumbled into a three game losing streak on the road, losing their Top 25 AP Poll ranking. The season is still young, though, and the Gaels made improvements at home with a win against Davidson on Friday, Nov. 24. The Gaels look to continue to make improvements against Utah on Monday, Nov. 27.

​