Feb. 23, 2008

Box Score

San Diego, CA - Jontelle Smith's 23 point performance would not be enough to defeat San Diego, as the Gaels fell 81-71 in Jenny Craig Pavilion. Saint Mary's falls to 13-15 overall and 5-7 in West Coast Conference play, while San Diego improves to 15-11 and 6-6 in the WCC.

Smith scored 19 of her 23 points in the first half, and finished with five three-pointers in the game. The five three pointers marks the second consecutive game that the junior has hit five from long range, as she posted five against San Francisco on Thursday, February 21.

Joining Smith in double digits was freshman Louella Tomlinson and senior Lauren Shaughnessy. Tomlinson finished with 13 points in the ball game, two blocks, one assist and one steal. The freshman's two block performance clinched the WCC single season block record for the Aussie, has she passed Chris Enger's 137 blocks with 139 total blocks this season. Shaughnessy finished the game with 11 points.

San Diego came out in the first half to take a 4-0 lead, but the Gaels exploded with a 14-0 run to take a ten point advantage over the Toreros at the first media timeout. Saint Mary's was hot from the three-point line in the run, as Smith, Shaughnessy, Susie Davis, and Erika Ruiz each knocked down one basket from long range.

The Gaels fed the hot hand of the first half, Jontelle Smith, as she posted an astounding 19 points. Smith was a threat from all areas of the court, as she hit five from long range and tossed in three lay-ups for Saint Mary's. Smith and the Gaels held 47-33 lead going into the break.

Smith's sharp shooting helped the Gaels record a 50.0 percent (18-of-36) first half shooting percentage, while posting a 75.0 shooting percentage (9-of-12) from beyond the arc. Tomlinson and Davis chipped in seven and six points respectively, as Davis hit a big three at the 2:27 mark to keep the Gaels' lead in double-digit figures.

Although the Toreros shot 51.7 percent (15-of-29) from the floor, the Gaels held them to seven less shot attempts, while forcing 12 turnovers. Saint Mary's maintained the Toreros outside shooting, as they were only allowed three attempts from beyond the arc.

The Toreros would not back down from the Gaels in the second half, as they pulled to within four points at the 15:55 mark. San Diego disrupted Saint Mary's rhythm as they forced five Gael turnovers in the first four minutes of action in the second half. Eventually the Toreros would tie the game at 47 apiece, and continue to run away with the ball game, taking just their second lead of the game. San Diego maintained the lead, defeating the Gaels 81-71.

San Diego stole the Gaels first half momentum, as they recorded a 48 point second half effort. The Toreros shot 65.6 percent (21-of-32) in the second half, improving their overall percentage to 59.0 percent for the ball game. The Toreros out rebounded the Gaels 40-28 in the game, while forcing the Gaels to 12 second half turnovers.

In the second half the Gaels' shooting percentage dropped to 36 percent (9-of-25), and 20 percent (1-of-5) from beyond the arc.

Saint Mary's was unable to stop Amanda Rego on her senior night, as she guided the Toreros' offense, dishing out an impressive 16 assists, while recording 14 points and six rebounds.

The Gaels return to McKeon Pavilion for their final regular season games of the 2008 WCC season. Saint Mary's host Portland on Thursday, February 28 at 7:00 PM and the Bulldogs of Gonzaga on Saturday, March 1 at 2:00 PM.