Feb. 21, 2008

Box Score

San Francisco, CA - The Saint Mary's women's basketball team improved to 13-14 and 5-6 in West Coast Conference action, as they defeated the San Francisco Dons 86-73. The Gaels were led by junior Jontelle Smith, as she ignited for the Gaels on the offensive end, posting a career-high 30 points. Smith went 5-of-7 from the three-point line, as she only needs eight more threes in her career to capture the Saint Mary's record for three-pointers in a career.

Freshman Louella Tomlinson clinched the Saint Mary's record for blocks in a career, tabbing three on the night and increasing her count to 137. The Aussies' 137 blocks also ties the WCC record for blocks in a season, which has been held by Chris Enger since 1989. Tomlinson finished the night with 13 points, six rebounds, three blocks, and one assists on the night.

The Gaels proved to be very efficient on the offensive end, as they recorded an astonishing 50 percent field goal percentage on the night. The team was 28-of-56 from the floor in the game, while going 7-of-11 from beyond the arc. Saint Mary's made the most of their attempts at the charity stripe, posting an 88.5 shooting percentage (23-of-26).

The Gaels put together a solid first half effort against the Dons in War Memorial Gym, as they held a 34-26 lead going into the break. Saint Mary's largest lead of the first half occurred on multiple occasions, as they led by ten points at three different times.

The Gaels shot an impressive 48 percent in the first half, as they were 12-of-24 from the floor, 3-of-5 from long range, and 7-of-8 from the free throw line.

Smith led the Gaels in the first half, posting 15 points on 6-of-12 shooting. Joining Smith was Serena Benavente and Sierra Chambers with six points apiece. Benavente and Mikaela Cowles led Saint Mary's in rebounding, as each grabbed four in the first half.

It looked as though the Gaels would falter in the second half of the game, as San Francisco drew within two points at the nine minute mark, 57-55. Smith responded from the three beyond the arc with the game on the line, as she knocked down back to back three pointers to give the Gaels a 63-55 advantage. From that point on Saint Mary's would not lose the lead, defeating the Dons 86-73.

San Francisco was led by Heidi Heintz with 17 points on 60 percent shooting (6-of-10) from the floor. Shay Rollins ended the game with 12 points and nine rebounds.

The Gaels return to action against the San Diego Toreros on Saturday, February 23 at 2:00 pm.