The Library Media — Sports · Sports Desk
Bivins Scores 20 Off the Bench as Saint Mary’s Defeats UIC, 84-61
By Piper Rampage
Saint Mary’s defeated UIC 84-61 at University Credit Union Pavilion in Moraga, California, using a decisive first-half run to take control and maintain a double-digit advantage throughout the second half. The victory moved the Gaels to 3-1, while UIC also fell to 3-1 after suffering its first loss in its road opener. It was the first-ever meeting between the programs.
Darius Bivins led Saint Mary’s with 20 points off the bench, adding five rebounds. He scored 16 of those points in the first half, helping the Gaels establish their early separation. Mantas Juzenas recorded a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Evangelos Zougris contributed 12 points.
Benny Gealer led UIC with a season-high 18 points. Jayce Nathaniel added 11 for the Flames, who scored 24 points in the first half before improving to 37 after the break.
The game was tied 17-17 following a Gealer three-point play, but Saint Mary’s quickly changed the direction of the contest. The Gaels scored 14 of the next 16 points, taking the lead for good with 8:55 remaining in the first half.
Saint Mary’s carried a 42-24 advantage into halftime after outscoring UIC 42-24 in the opening period. Bivins’ 16 first-half points helped fuel the lead, and the Gaels continued to keep the Flames at a distance after the break.
Both teams scored 42 points in the second half, but UIC never brought the margin below double digits. Saint Mary’s maintained its advantage through the final period to secure the 23-point victory.
The Gaels’ shooting helped drive the result. Saint Mary’s shot better than 54% from the field and made 11 of 27 attempts from three-point range. The strong shooting performance complemented Bivins’ scoring contribution and Juzenas’ work on the boards.
The result gave Saint Mary’s its third win in four games and marked the first matchup between the programs. UIC’s first road game ended in a loss, leaving both teams with matching 3-1 records.
Piper Rampage
Men’s College Basketball, The Library Media
From The Library — the estate of our family.
