Dec. 20, 2005

Box Score

Moraga, CA - Saint Mary's hit three consecutive 3-pointers within the first 2 minutes, 30 seconds of the start of the game, building an 11-0 lead and setting the pace for a 75-69 victory Tuesday night over UC Davis at McKeon Pavilion.

The Gaels made a season-high 13 3-pointers and shot 44.8 percent from behind the arc as they improved to 4-7 on the season. With the loss the Aggies fall to 4-5 overall.

Saint Mary's built a 44-29 lead at halftime, but the Aggies rallied for a late comeback attempt, but it was the 3-pointers that once again propelled the Gaels to victory.

UC Davis cut into the Gaels' seven point lead after a layup by Ellen Porshneva, but that's when Maija Lahde hit one of the biggest 3-pointers of the night. Lahde launched a deep 3-pointer with the shot clock winding down, giving the Gaels a 69-61 lead with 2:04 left.

Saint Mary's Serena Benavente and Jontelle Smith would hit clutch free throws down the stretch to help seal the victory. The Gaels have now won two out of their last three games.

Offensively the Gaels were led by their leading scorer coming into the game Jontelle Smith, who scored 19 points on 6-of-13 shooting from the field and 5-of-10 from 3-point range. Evynn Van Burger sparked the offense off the bench, scoring 13 points, including three 3-pointers.

Senior Erika Urmonaite had 10 points and five rebounds and Serena Benavente had 10 points, five assists and three steals. Sheridan Arredondo had eight points and 12 rebounds and Maija Lahde added eight points, seven rebounds and four assists.

UC Davis was led by Kimberly Smith, who scored a game-high 23 points, including three 3-pointers. Jessica Campbell and Ellen Porshneva each added 12 points in the loss.

As a team the Gaels shot 42.6 percent from the field and 76.9 percent from the free throw line. UC Davis shot 44.6 percent from the field and 42.1 percent from 3-point range.

The Gaels return to action on Thursday, December 29 when they host Ball State at 7:05 p.m. at McKeon Pavilion.