Stephen Holt scores 26 as Saint Mary's holds on for 70-61 win over Portland

MORAGA, Calif. – Stephen Holt pumped in 26 points, including four 3-pointers, to lift Saint Mary's to a 70-61 win over Portland on Thursday night.

Saint Mary's (21-9, 11-6 West Coast Conference) took the lead for good late in the first half on a 3-pointer from James Walker III but would have to protect it in the final 4 minutes of the game as Portland shaved the gap to 55-53 with a Ryan Nicholas jumper. Holt responded with a 3-pointer and followed it up with a layup as part of a 7-0 run that rebuilt the Gaels advantage, which would hold.

Brad Waldow contributed 14 points and Kerry Carter 12 for the Gaels, who were outrebounded by Portland (15-14, 7-10) but made up for it with 19-of-25 shooting from the penalty stripe and 11 of 29 from long range.

Thomas van der Mars led Portland with 22 points and 17 rebounds.