Feb. 9, 2008

Box Score

Moraga, CA - The Saint Mary's women's basketball received a huge boost from Sierra Chambers off the bench, as the Gaels posted a 65-54 win over the Santa Clara Broncos. The sophomore slasher tied her career-high with 19 points on the night, while also picking up eight rebounds.

Although Chambers recorded the game-high, the Gaels executed a well balanced offense with multiple players adding to the Saint Mary's total. Louella Tomlinson chipped in 11 points and four blocks on the night, while Jontelle Smith posted 10 points and five rebounds. Serena Benavente did an excellent job distributing the ball, dishing out six assists while committing no turnovers.

With just 10 seconds into the game Tomlinson knocked down the 15 footer to give the Gaels their first basket. Chambers then performed an acrobatic spin-move around two Bronco defenders at the 17:11 mark, tying the game at five apiece. The sophomore continued to produce Gael offense the next possession down, as she was fouled on a three point attempt. Chambers went 2-of-3 from the line to record a five point run on her own in the first three minutes.

Lindsay Ellis fought for an offensive rebound with 11:58 on the clock and her efforts were rewarded, grabbing the rebound and converting a three-point play. At the second media timeout the Gaels were all tied-up with the Broncos, with both teams posting 16 points apiece.

Junior Mikaela Cowles threw in her first points of the ball game at the 9:54 on a three-pointer, extending the Gaels' lead to eight, 24-16, the largest lead of the half thus far. With momentum in their hands the Gaels forced a Bronco turnover and found the bottom of the net on a Tomlinson two. With the two-pointer Saint Mary's extended the advantage to double digits, 26-16.

Santa Clara dug their way back into the game, cutting the Gaels' lead to five at halftime. Saint Mary's shot an impressive 40.6 percent from the field in the first half, while holding their opponents to 36.4 percent. The Gaels out rebounded the Broncos in the first half 24-18, with Smith leading the way with four boards.

The first half was full of ups and downs for both teams, as the lead was tied six times and exchanged six times. From a statistical standpoint the teams could not have been more even, as both squads recorded 12 points in the point, 11 points of turnovers, and three second chance points. Where the Gaels held the advantage was off the bench, as Saint Mary's received 17 points off the bench compared to the Broncos zero.

Saint Mary's began the second half sluggish, as the Broncos tied the score at 35 apiece on a 5-0 run. The Gaels began to feel Santa Clara's pressure, stepping-up their game to go on an impressive run of their own.

Behind Chambers Saint Mary's posted a 17-3 run, taking a 52-38 lead over the Broncos. From that point on the Broncos would not find their rhythm, as Saint Mary's maintained their defensive effort to keep Santa Clara out of their normal routine.

Saint Mary's finished the ball game shooting 39 percent from the floor, 45.5 percent from beyond the arc, and 63.6 percent from the free throw line. The Gaels outscored the Broncos off the bench, 33-2.

The Broncos were led by Sarah Majors with 18 points on the night, while Elizabeth Doran and Tracey Walker added 15 and 11 points respectively.

The Gaels continue West Coast Conference play at home next week, hosting Loyola Marymount and Pepperdine. Saint Mary's will first face the LMU Lions on Thursday, February 14 at 7:00 pm. In the second WCC competition of the week the Pepperdine Waves will come to McKeon Pavilion on February 16, tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 pm.