This victory will be celebrated from America to Australia. One of three Australians in the starting lineup, Mickey McConnell stopped and fired an arching 25-footer that banked high off the glass for a 68-65 lead with 1:15 left.
Samhan used a two-handed block to turn back Reggie Redding and McConnell made both ends of a 1-and-1 to make it 70-65.
The soldout crowd was well behind the Gaels (28-5).
The Wildcats (25-8) made an early exit a year after they played in the Final Four. They started 20-1 and collapsed at the end.
Saint Mary's is off the Houston to play in the South Regional's Sweet 16.
