Saint Mary’s defeats USF 82-68, extends win streak to eight

Saint Mary’s used an early surge and second-half control to beat the University of San Francisco 82–68 on Jan. 13, extending the Gaels’ win streak to eight games and handing the Dons a 14-point loss. The margin underscored a game in which Saint Mary’s balanced efficient scoring with disruptive defense, punctuated by timely contributions from its leaders.

Paulius Murauskas led the Gaels with 21 points, while Joshua Dent added 19 points along with seven assists and four steals, a stat line that combined scoring, facilitation and defensive pressure. On the San Francisco side, Tyrone Riley IV was the top scorer with 16 points and Ryan Beasley chipped in 15 points, but their efforts were not enough to overcome Saint Mary’s multi-pronged attack.

Saint Mary’s seized control early and pushed the advantage further in the second half, converting momentum into a steady lead that the Dons could not erase. The Gaels’ ability to create turnovers and convert transition opportunities, reflected in Dent’s four steals and seven assists, tilted the pace and forced USF into catch-up mode. The final box score emphasized the Gaels’ depth and balanced production, while the Dons leaned on a smaller set of scorers.

For San Francisco County fans, the result has immediate local significance. The Dons, representing a city program with a passionate neighborhood following, face the familiar challenge of translating competitive individual performances into consistent team results. For supporters of the Gaels and local college basketball watchers, an eight-game winning streak signals momentum that typically increases attendance interest and media attention around midseason conference play.

Beyond the scoreboard, streaks of this length can influence program trajectories. Winning runs boost recruiting narratives, create stronger matchday demand and sharpen the profile of games played in the region. Conversely, the Dons will need to regroup on both ends of the floor to prevent further erosion in conference positioning and to maintain fan engagement through the remainder of the season.

The immediate takeaway for local readers is clear: Saint Mary’s is building a significant run that has reshaped the competitive tone of their conference slate, while USF must adjust quickly to stem momentum losses. Fans should expect a heightened atmosphere and increased stakes in the games that follow as both programs jockey for standing and local bragging rights.