Overview

• St. Mary’s advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament after defeating Vanderbilt 59-56 in a hard-fought first-round game.
• Jordan Ross led the second-half comeback with 15 points, stepping up while Augustas Marciulionis was sidelined with foul trouble.
• Marciulionis returned late in the game, contributing 14 points and hitting critical shots to secure the Gaels’ victory.
• St. Mary’s dominated the rebounding battle 41-28 and made key defensive adjustments, holding Vanderbilt to 34% shooting in the second half.
• The Gaels will face No. 2 seed Alabama on Sunday, aiming for their first Sweet 16 appearance since 2010.