Women's Basketball Drops First WCC Contest

Thursday, January 17

Malibu, CA

7:00 PM

Saint Mary's College of California

*Pepperdine

Women's Basketball Drops First WCC Contest

1/17/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball

Jan. 17, 2008

Box Score

Malibu, CA - The Gaels had a promising first half against the Peperdine Waves Thursday night, but were unable to keep their momentum, falling 80-67. The Gaels were led by junior Jontelle Smith in the ball game, recording 18 points on 8-of-19 shooting for the field.

In the first half Saint Mary's held the Waves to 19 points and 28.6 percent shooting from the floor. The Gaels held a 10 point first half led, as they shot 34.4 percent from the field. Saint Mary's defense held the Waves top two leading scorers to zero and two points respectively, in Miranda Ayim and Daphanie Kennedy.

The tides turned for the Gaels in the second half, as the Waves exploded for 61 points. Kennedy led the way for Pepperdine, responding in the second half with 20 points. At one point in the second half it seemed as though the Waves could not miss, shooting 75 percent from the floor. Pepperdine finished the half shooting 65.8 percent from the field, increasing their overall percentage to 50 percent for the ball game.

Although the Gaels increased their shooting percentage in the second half to 42.9 percent, they were unable to find a rhythm from beyond the arc, shooting 11.1 percent on 1-of-9 shooting.

Three Gaels finished the game in double figures, with Smith totaling a team-high 18 points, and Serena Benavente and Lauren Shaughnessy tabbing 15 and 10 points respectively. Sophomore guard Brianna Clay provided a spark for the Gaels off the bench, recording eight points, four rebounds, three steals, and two assists in 18 minutes of action.

Pepperdine was led by Kennedy in the game with 22 points, while Teiosha George and Katie Menton tabbed 18 apiece.

Saint Mary's will continue West Coast Conference action on the road, as they play Saturday afternoon, against the Loyola Marymount Lions on January 19 at 2:00 PM.