MORAGA, Calif. – San Diego fell behind early and could not recover, falling 76-59 at Saint Mary's on Saturday night in McKeon Pavilion.
 
The Toreros (13-7, 2-3 WCC) trailed 13-2 and then 24-8 to open the game against the Gaels (13-7, 4-1 WCC) before they found their rhythm midway through the first half.
 
USD chipped away at its deficit throughout the night and got as close as 47-39 with 12:29 to play. However, SMC went on a 10-2 run to reestablish a commanding lead, 57-41, with 9:07 to play and led by at least 13 points the remainder of the game.
 
The Toreros held a better shooting percentage than the Gaels for a majority of the game but struggled from 3-point range, connecting on just 3-of-16 attempts on the night. Both teams finished the game at 43 percent from the field.
 
USD was outrebounded 40-29 and the Gaels capitalized with 17 second-chance points. SMC did damage at the free throw line with a 17-of-21 clip, while the Toreros went 8-of-13.
 
Isaiah Pineiro led the Toreros with 19 points and eight rebounds. Isaiah Wright chipped in 15 points and Tyler Williams added nine.
 
USD had trouble slowing down the Gaels duo of Malik Fitts and Jordan Ford who combined for 45 points on 16-of-32 shooting on the night.
 
Yauhen Massalski played well defensively with a team-high four blocks along with six rebounds.

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SMC opened the game by making nine of their first 14 shots, including three 3-pointers to jump out to an early lead. Trailing 27-10, USD went on a 10-2 run to cut its deficit to 29-20 with Pineiro scoring seven of the Toreros 10 points.
 
USD opened the second half on a 13-9 run to make its deficit single digits, 47-39, but the Gaels followed with a 10-2 run to extend its lead to 57-41 with 9:07 to play. SMC led by double-digits the remainder of the game.
 
The Toreros return home next week for a pair of games when they play host to Loyola Marymount and San Francisco.