1/15/26

#17 Saint Martin’s Saints 89, Western Washington 76

(Lacey, WA) The No. 17 Saint Martin’s Saints Men’s Basketball team was riding a 10-game win streak and on the precipice of tying the program record for longest win streak. The Western Washington Vikings stood in their way and were trying to get to .500 on the season.

Saint Martin’s took the lead right away and didn’t look back. After leading 20-16 halfway through the first half, the Saints dropped an 18-0 run to go up 38-16. Saint Martin’s led by 16, 45-29, but Western Washington made a buzzer-beating layup to grab a smidge of momentum at the break. The Saints went back up 20 points early in the second half, but Western Washington chipped away at the lead. The Vikings made it a four-point game, trailing 72-68 with five minutes left, as Saint Martin’s regathered themselves and put the game away with a late 9-0 run. The Saints would get the victory 89-76.

Former Auburn Trojan, Kaden Hansen, had a career-high 37 points, including a perfect 13-13 from the free throw line, to lead the Saints. Freshman Patrick Kilfoil stepped up with 16 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. Diego Trejo-Delgado had 10 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks despite playing in foul trouble for a significant part of the game. Pablo Navarro came off the bench and continued his hot streak with nine points, 13 rebounds, and three steals.

Saint Martin’s barely missed at the free throw line, going 26-30 in the game and 22-26 in the second half, while Western Washington went 19-30. The Saints also won the paint, outscoring the Vikings 40-28 and outrebounding them 59-44. Saint Martin’s also cashed in on their 25 offensive rebounds, with 31 second chance points, where Western Washington had 22 offensive boards but only 14 second chance points.

Saint Martin’s has tied the program record with 11 wins in a row. The Saints are 14-2 on the year and now 6-0 in GNAC action and hold a two-game lead over the three schools tied for second place at 4-2. Saint Martin’s will go for history on Saturday when Simon Fraser comes to town, as the Saints try to set the school record for longest win streak. For what it’s worth, two years ago this month, the Saints made program history by being ranked No. 1 in the polls.

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