Saint Mary’s Outlasts Illinois State 90-85 in Overtime Thriller to Open Mickey McConnell Era
The Mickey McConnell era at Saint Mary’s opened with a dramatic 90-85 overtime victory over the Illinois State Redbirds on Monday night at UCU Pavilion. Playing in front of a home crowd in Moraga, the Gaels had to overcome a second-half double-digit deficit, outscoring the Redbirds 42-27 down the stretch to pull off the comeback win, stmarys-ca.edu reported.
The win marks a historic milestone for the program. Mickey McConnell becomes the first Saint Mary’s men’s basketball head coach to win his debut game since Dave Bollwinkel in 1997. The victory also extends two impressive active program streaks, keeping alive six straight season-opening wins and 27 straight home wins.
For Illinois State, the loss stings after controlling significant portions of the contest. According to midmajorbasketball.com, the Redbirds held the lead for 26 minutes, fueled by a 30-point performance from Johnny Kinziger and a game-high 10-point lead. However, foul trouble for big man Chase Walker and an injury to guard Mason Klabo late in the half hampered the Redbirds’ momentum as the game wore on.
How the Gaels Chipped Away at the Deficit
The two teams traded punches from the opening tip, locked in a 27-27 tie with 3:30 remaining in the first half. Illinois State seized the late-half momentum, heading into the locker room with a 39-33 advantage after closing the frame on a 12-6 run. The Redbirds eventually stretched that lead to 58-48 with 12:34 left in regulation.
Saint Mary’s refused to fold, relying heavily on paint dominance and a stifling defensive effort that kept Illinois State without a field goal for nearly four full minutes. With five minutes remaining on the clock, the Gaels sparked a crucial 9-0 run. Jeremy Dent-Smith capped that sequence with a steal and a score, giving Saint Mary’s its first lead of the second half at 73-72.
Illinois State answered back when a three-pointer put the Redbirds ahead by two with 43 seconds left. But Thomas Ndong hauled in an offensive rebound on the ensuing possession, putting back a layup with 20 ticks remaining to level the score at 77.
Illinois State/Saint Mary's has been a fun one. Knotted up at 77 with 19 seconds to go. Sneaky good mid-major tilt to open the college basketball season for these two. Johnny Kinziger has been money tonight for the Redbirds.
Freshman Seals Overtime Victory with Late Steal
The extra five minutes belonged to the hosts. After Illinois State grabbed the initial lead in overtime via free throws, Joshua Dent answered with a layup. Thomas Ndong then sank two clutch free throws following another offensive rebound and foul, and the Gaels never surrendered the lead again.
True freshman and McDonald’s All-American recruit Darius Bivins delivered the final decisive blow with 22 seconds left, picking the pocket of Demarion Burch and converting a layup to push the lead to five points.
Box score production came from all over the floor for Saint Mary’s:
- Mantas Juzenas: 20 points and 11 rebounds for his first collegiate double-double.
- Thomas Ndong: 18 points off the bench on 7-9 shooting.
- Vangelis Zougris: 16 points on a perfect 7-7 shooting night from the field.
- Darius Bivins: 11 points, 3 assists, and 3 steals in his collegiate debut.
- Jeremy Dent-Smith: 6 points, 4 assists, 0 turnovers, and 5 steals.
For Illinois State, Kinziger paced the offense with 30 points, while Malik Messina-Moore added 16 points and four assists. Despite those efforts, the Redbirds’ 18 total turnovers and offensive dry spells in extra time proved too costly.
Quick Turnaround Against North Dakota State
The Gaels have little time to celebrate their milestone opening win. Saint Mary’s returns to UCU Pavilion on Wednesday, Nov. 4, to host North Dakota State. Tip-off between the two 2026 NCAA Tournament teams is scheduled for 7 p.m.
