Nov. 19, 2004

Box Score

Moraga, CA - In the Saint Mary's women's basketball home opener, the Gaels jumped out to an early 11-2 lead and never looked back, beating visiting UC Riverside 63-49 on Friday night at McKeon Pavilion. The win was the first of the young season for the Gaels, improving to 1-1 overall. UC Riverside was playing in their first game of the year and fell to 0-1.

The Gaels jumped out to an early lead thanks to five early points by junior guard Evynn Van Burger, including her first 3-pointer of the game. Van Burger went on to score a game-high 17 points, including 4-of-7 from 3-point range. Van Burger added two rebounds and two assists, and has now scored 17 points in back-to-back games.

Saint Mary's also received solid inside play by senior forward Triola Jackson. Jackson had 13 points, five rebounds and two assists in 28 minutes of action.

The Gaels took a 30-23 lead into halftime, and opened up the lead in the second half by going on a 18-6 run to go ahead 48-29 with 11:52 remaining in the game.

Junior center Erika Urmonaite added eight points and four rebounds in 15 minutes and freshman Mikaela Cowles added two 3-pointers from six points.

As a team the Gaels shot 41.1 percent from the floor, 37.5 percent from 3-point range and 61.1 percent from the free throw line. Saint Mary's defense did a good job holding the Highlanders to 38.2 percent shooting from the field and 23.1 percent from 3-point range.

Saint Mary's returns to action on Sunday, November 21 when it hosts UC Santa Barbara at 2:05 p.m. at McKeon Pavilion.