Bodog Beat

Saint Mary's freshman Patty Mills pictured in better days. (AP Images)

A few years ago, living in his native Australia, Patty Mills had no idea what the NCAA tournament was. Today, as a member of the Saint Mary's Gaels, he had a quick glimpse in person, and then it was over. The Gaels went down 78-64 to the Miami Hurricanes in a South region first-round game.

Not that Mills laid a platypus egg or anything – he led Saint Mary's with 24 points – but not even a vegemite sandwich is likely to console the freshman and his team that many thought could make a Cinderella run in the tourney. The Gaels, the slight 1-point favorites, actually led 32-27 at the half but were outscored 51-32 after the break.

Mills was outdone by only one player today: Miami's Jack McClinton, who poured in a game-high 38 points for the 'Canes. For McClinton, it was his best performance of the season, his previous high being 34 points on March 1 versus Virginia.

But the best thing about McClinton? He's a pretty damn good free-throw shooter. Today, he was 11-for-11. In his previous four games, he went 22-for-22. So, yeah, just a heads up to future opponents: maybe don't foul Jack McClinton.

Miami moves on the meet the winner of Texas (-16) and Austin Peay.

Stay tuned for all your March Madness first round results and recaps!

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