The Gaels got off to an early start behind two quick jumpers from sophomore Patrick Mills. They led 9-1 before Oregon scored six straight to get within two at 9-7. The Ducks couldn’t get closer though, as Mills hit another jumper, and center Omar Samhan got a layup plus the foul to extend the score to 15-9 with 14:35 to go in the half.
The Ducks mounted a small comeback, getting a three-pointer from Churchill Odia to shorten the lead to two at 17-15 with 11:37 in the first. Tajuan Porter tied the score at 17 with two free throws with 10:40 to go. The Gaels went cold from the field, missing three in a row before Diamon Simpson got a second chance putback to put his team back up by two with 9:50 to go.
The next two minutes were sloppy by both teams, as fouls and turnovers dominated the play. But Dunnigan added another layup, and Porter got fouled after he made a twisting spinning layup. After the free throw, the Ducks took a 24-22 lead with 6:55 to go.
A three by Carlin Hughes closed the gap for the Gaels to 28-26 with 5:40 left. Oregon couldn’t capitalize on the fouling though, as they went 2-4 over the next minute and ten seconds, and with 4:30 left they found themselves only up one at 30-29 after Hughes hit another three. Ian O’Leary hit two free throws after that to give Saint Mary’s a one point advantage at 31-29 with 3:57.
Head coach of the Ducks, Ernie Kent, became increasingly upset as the fouls mounted. Kamyron Brown had two fouls, and freshman Garrett Sim was called for charging with just under two to play. Hughes then hit another three, putting the Gaels up 38-35, and Samhan added a tip in to extend the lead to five with 45 seconds to play. After a 10 foot shot attempt by Oregon Duck Josh Crittle went long, Saint Mary’s got a layup with two seconds left to take a 42-35 lead into the locker room.