MORAGA, Calif.- In the 65th meeting between the University of Portland and Saint Mary’s College, the Gaels’ pressure defense suffocated the Pilots’ offensive. Portland scored a season low point total in a 66-45 loss to the Gaels tonight at McKeon Pavilion. Portland (11-5, 0-1 WCC) was led by Ben Sullivan’s 12 points, but SMC’s (13-4, 1-0 WCC) Paul Marigney led all players with 17 points in the game. Saint Mary’s has won the last five out of six games against Portland at McKeon Pavilion.

“I thought Saint Mary’s defense was the best we’ve seen all year,” said Portland head coach Michael Holton. “It interrupted our offensive rhythm and as the game wore on it effected us on our break. Their defense controlled and dictated the way this game way played tonight. I wasn’t disappointed with our effort or energy tonight and we will move on from this loss and look forward to Saturday’s game.”

Portland came out of the break to score seven points in the first four minutes of play. An 8-0 run by Saint Mary’s gave the Gaels a 39-25 advantage with just over 14 minutes to go. A 12-footer by Ben Sullivan, an offensive putback by Marcus Lewis and a dunk by Donald Wilson closed the gap to nine, but a 14-4 run with just under six minutes gave the Gaels a 58-37 lead. Portland scored just seven more points in the game as the Gaels went on to win, 66-45.

For the game, Portland shot a season low 29 percent (16-55) from the floor and made just 2-of-12 long range shots for the game. The Pilots shot just 55 percent (11-20) from the stripe as the Gaels didn’t do much better, hitting 10-of-17 (58 percent). The Gaels held the advantage down low, tallying 26 points, compared to Portland’s 12 points in the paint. Portland was out-rebounded 44-34, but had seven less turnovers in the game.

Sullivan shot 4-of-7 from the field and 4-of-5 from the free-throw line, while grabbing five rebounds tonight. Pooh Jeter had nine points and went 0-of-6 from long range, his second game this year without hitting a three. Darren Cooper, Donald Wilson and Marcus Lewis added six points each in the effort.

Assisting Marigney on the Gael offensive was Frederic Adjiwanou who tacked on 12 points in the game, with all 12 points coming in the second half. E.J. Rowland and Jonathan Sanders added nine points each in the game.

Saint Mary’s took control of the tip and scored first on a three-pointer by Marigney with 18:57 left in the first half. Portland was unable to score on the next possession and then fouled Marigney on the following play. He converted both free throws, but the Pilots then went on a 7-0 run for a 7-5 lead with just over 15 minutes to go. The Gaels responded with a three-pointer by Rowland, regaining the lead and then on the next play, Portland’s Wilson was wide open for a dunk, but somehow Saint Mary’s was able to tip the ball loose and Wilson was called for a technical foul for hanging on the rim. After Marigney converted one free-throw, the Pilots went cold, scoring just five points in the next four minutes of play, while the Gaels went on to score 12 points for a 21-12 lead. Portland would score just three more times before halftime as the Gaels went into the lockerroom with a 31-18 lead.

For the half, Portland shot just 6-of-25 from the floor and 0-of-5 from three-point range. It was the first game all season the Pilots have been held to lower than 27 points in the first half of play. The Gaels shot an efficient 46 percent (11-24) from the field and 42 percent (5-12) from long range, while out rebounding the Pilots, 19-18. SMC’s Marigney led all players in the first half with 11 points, while Sullivan was the only Portland player in double-digits with 10.

The Pilots will face Santa Clara on Saturday, Jan. 8 at 2:00 p.m. at the Leavey Center.