No. 15 Saint Mary’s tops Pacific 83-52 for WCC title share

MORAGA, Calif. (AP) — Logan Johnson scored 29points in the final home game of his career and No. 15 Saint Mary’sclinched at least a share of the West Coast Conferenceregular-season title with an 83-52 victory over Pacific on Thursdaynight.

“It’s nice that we were able to clinch a share of it on our homecourt,” coach Randy Bennett said. “I wanted to make sure they wouldget recognized and win out on their home court the right way. ...For them to be able to win this thing on our home court, Idefinitely wanted the crowd to be able to show theirappreciation.”

Alex Ducas added 17 points and Mitchell Saxen scored 11 for theGaels (25-5, 14-1). Saint Mary’s is assured no worse than a tie forfirst place in the conference for the first time since 2015-16 andcan secure its first outright crown since 2011-12 by winning at No.12 Gonzaga on Saturday night.

The Gaels held a trophy ceremony at midcourt after the game andput on championship T-shirts. But the celebration didn’t last long,with a bigger game looming.

“About 10 more minutes until I shower and go home,” Ducas saidof how long he’d celebrate this win. “We’ll get our minds right. Wehave bigger things to focus on. There’s plenty more time tocelebrate after the season is done.”

The Gaels wrapped up their second straight perfect home seasonin conference play with a victory that gave them 25 wins for the12th time in the last 16 seasons.

Jordan Ivy-Curry scored 11 points to lead the Tigers (13-17,6-9), who have lost five of six.

Johnson helped break the game open early, sparking a 21-6 runthat gave Saint Mary’s a 33-16 lead midway through the first half.He scored 12 points during that stretch, including a pair of3-pointers to cap it.

Johnson finished with 20 points in the half as the Gaels led48-31 at the break.

Saint Mary’s was never threatened in the second half, withDucas’ 3 making it 68-35 midway through the half.

SENIOR NIGHT

The Gaels honored their three senior starters before the game:Johnson, Ducas and Kyle Bowen.

All three have started every game the past two seasons, helpingSaint Mary’s earn a No. 5 seed in the NCAA tournament last year andputting the Gaels in position to win the conference title thisseason.

“These three guys are special,” Bennett said. “We may never havea group of three leaders, as seniors, as good as these guys. I knowwhat special looks like and these guys are special.”

Ducas and Bowen could choose to return for a fifth seasonbecause of the 2020 campaign impacted by COVID-19 but haven’t madea final decision.

Saint Mary’s reserve Matt Van Komen also was honored.

BIG PICTURE

Pacific: The Tigers lost their 34th straight game against aranked opponent since beating No. 21 Providence in the first roundof the 2004 NCAA Tournament.

Saint Mary’s: The Gaels have won four straight since their loneslip-up in conference play, an overtime loss at Loyola Marymounttwo weeks ago. But their toughest test yet comes in the finale atGonzaga. Saint Mary’s won the first matchup at home 78-70 in OTearlier this month.

UP NEXT

Pacific: Hosts Portland on Saturday.

Saint Mary’s: Visits No. 12 Gonzaga on Saturday night.