Jan. 21, 2006

Box Score

Moraga, CA - The Saint Mary's women's basketball played two different halves on Saturday afternoon, and the Gaels saved their best for the second half and made each minute count. The Gaels outscored the Pepperdine Waves by 16 in the second half en route to a 58-54 victory at McKeon Pavilion.

The Gaels trailed 34-22 at the half, which included a deficit that reached 17 points with 1:42 left in the opening half. But in the second half Saint Mary's exploded for 36 points and held the Waves to 20 points.

With the win the Gaels improved to 3-2 in West Coast Conference play and 8-10 overall. Pepperdine dropped to 3-3 in conference play and 6-13 overall.

Offensively the Gaels were led by Jontelle Smith, who had 13 points and three rebounds and Sheridan Arredondo added 12 points and eight rebounds.

As a team the Gaels shot 60 percent in the second half, compared to 33.3 percent in the first half. Saint Mary's held Pepperdine to 29.6 percent shooting from the field in the second half.

Maija Lahde came off the bench to add eight points and four rebounds and Serena Benavente and Monica Mertle each had seven points.

Pepperdine was led by Daphanie Kennedy, who had 13 points, Jasmane Clarendon had 11 points and Kelsey Ball added 10 points.

Saint Mary's returns to action Thursday, January 26 when it faces San Diego at 7:05 p.m. at the Jenny Craig Pavilion in San Diego.