St. Mary’s Advances to Face Alabama After Gritty NCAA Tournament Win

The Gaels overcame a 12-point deficit against Vanderbilt, powered by Jordan Ross and Augustas Marciulionis, to secure a second-round matchup with high-scoring Alabama.

St. Mary’s rallied from a sluggish first half to defeat Vanderbilt 59-56, advancing to the NCAA Tournament's second round.
Jordan Ross scored 15 points, including key second-half baskets, sparking the Gaels’ comeback while Augustas Marciulionis added 14 points and hit crucial late-game shots.
The Gaels dominated the rebounding battle, securing 41 rebounds compared to Vanderbilt's 28, a key factor in their victory.
St. Mary’s will face No. 2 seed Alabama on Sunday, a matchup pitting their defensive style against Alabama’s fast-paced, high-scoring offense.
The Gaels aim to reach the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2010, adding historical significance to their tournament run.