Moraga, CA -- (Sports Network) - Patrick Mills erupted for a game-high 27 points to lead the Saint Mary's Gaels to a 68-57 win over the Washington State Cougars in the first round of the 2009 NIT.

Mills connected on 8-of-15 from the floor, including 5-of-9 behind the three- point line, for the second-seeded Gaels (26-6), while Diamon Simpson logged 18 points and a game-high 11 rebounds. Omar Samhan tacked on 11 points and seven boards as well.

The seventh-seeded Cougars (17-15) were paced by Aron Baynes who recorded a double-double with 19 points and 10 boards, followed by Taylor Rochestie with 14 points in the setback.

While WSU knocked down 42.9 percent from the field in the first half, compared to 40 percent for the Gaels, it was the home team that posted the 36-23 advantage at the break.

In the second half SMC limited the visitors to a mere 1-of-9 shooting beyond the arc to secure the 11-point win at McKeon Pavilion.

Washington State, which turned the ball over 13 times, made good on a mere 3- of-15 shots behind the three-point line.

With the win the Gaels are now onto the next round of the tourney and will face off against sixth-seeded Davidson.