1. In each of the prior three games the Gaels had allowed their opponents to rebound fewer than 13% of their missed shots. But Yale managed 22 offensive boards, which was 44% of their misses. It was the 2nd worst rebounding game of the year for SMC (allowed 50% vs Utah State).
2. Yale made an improbable 11-24 3s (46%) after entering the game making fewer than 30% of their 3s. Only once in the past two seasons has Yale made more 3s in a game than against the Gaels.
3. Matthew Dellavedova played a great game, and finished with 24 points by making 5-7 2s and 4-6 3s. From the recap at SMC Hoops: “In the 2nd half he took a pass from Brad Waldow in the left corner, but bobbled it. Still, with his quick release he was able to get the shot off before Yale could close out and it was nothing but bottoms. It was his 239th made 3-pointer, which moved him past David Sivulich and into 1st place all time at Saint Mary’s. On the night he also passed Diamon Simpson for points scored and is now the 4th leading scorer in Gaels history. Next up is David Vann, who is 118 points away.”
4. 6-11 junior Matt Hodgson isn’t the most famous of the Australian players, but he is occasionally able to provide a major interior presence that the other guys don’t bring. Against Yale he had 5 blocks, which is the 2nd time in his career he’s had at least that many (career best is 6 as a freshman vs IUPU Fort Wayne).
5. Yale got all of the press for their offensive boards, but Saint Mary’s actually rebounded a high % of their own misses – they just didn’t miss nearly as many shots, so had fewer opportunities. The Gaels grabbed 44.8% of their own misses, which is their 3rd best game this season.
