Sat Nov 30 05:10:00 UTC 2024: ## Saint Mary’s Cruises Past USC, Advances to Acrisure Classic Championship
**PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (AP)** — Saint Mary’s Gaels dominated the Southern California Trojans Thursday night at the Acrisure Classic, securing a decisive 71-36 victory and advancing to the championship game. Jordan Ross led the Gaels with 15 points on an efficient 6-of-9 shooting performance.
The Gaels (7-0) are off to their best start since the 2013-14 season, when they achieved a program-record nine consecutive wins. Their victory over USC (5-2) was built on a strong second-half performance, outscoring the Trojans 39-15 after halftime. USC shot a dismal 17% (4-of-23) from the field in the final twenty minutes.
Paulius Murauskas and Augustas Marciulionis each contributed 11 points for Saint Mary’s. Jordan Cohen led USC with 12 points, but the Trojans struggled to maintain momentum against the Gaels’ efficient offense and tenacious defense.
Saint Mary’s will face either Arizona State or New Mexico in Friday’s championship game, while USC will play the loser of that matchup in the consolation game.
First Piper 