March 1, 2008
Box Score
Moraga, CA - The Saint Mary's women's basketball team was unable to top Gonzaga in their last home game of the season, as they fell to the Bulldogs 79-63. With the loss the Gaels finish the West Coast Conference regular season with a 6-8 mark (14-16 overall), while Gonzaga improves to 14-1 (22-7 overall). The Bulldogs clinched the WCC regular season title two games prior to the match-up against Saint Mary's.
Senior Serena Benavente finished her career in McKeon Pavilion, tabbing 16 points on 4-of-8 shooting from the floor. The guard knocked down 8-of-9 free throws in the game, while adding three rebounds and a steal.
Jontelle Smith was not far behind Benavente, tabbing 15 points in the contest. Smith hit three from long range, tying the Saint Mary's record for three pointers in a career, 185 which is held by Anja Bordt.
The Bulldogs started with a 14-4 run, and that would be the pace for the remainder of the game. Gonzaga used quick transition to their advantage, pushing the basketball at every opportunity. Saint Mary's continued to stick with the Bulldogs on defense, but too many players proved to be threats on the offensive end, as three Gonzaga players posted double-digits in the first half.
Benavente was the only Gael to reach the double-digit mark, tossing in 10 points on 3-of-5 shooting in the first half; the next best player was Smith with four. At halftime the Gaels shot 20.6 percent (7-of-34) from the floor, 16.7 (1-of-6) percent from the three point line, and 88.9 (8-of-9) percent from the charity stripe. Saint Mary's was held off the glass by the Bulldogs throughout the first half, as they were out rebounded 31-12. Defensive pressure paid off for Saint Mary's, forcing 12 Bulldog turnovers while only turning the ball over seven times.
Gonzaga shot an impressive 58.8 percent from the floor in the first half, taking a 51-23 lead at the break.
Saint Mary's brought a new enthusiasm to the court after half time, turning-up their intensity and slowly cutting away at Gonzaga's 28 point advantage. In the second half the Gaels improved their shooting percentage to 37.5 percent, and their three point percentage to 38.5. Although Saint Mary's pushed to within 14 points of the Bulldogs, Gonzaga showed why they are the WCC champions, finishing the game with a 16 point win, 79-63.
The Bulldogs were led by Heather Bowman, posting 20 points on 9-of-19 shooting. Courtney Vandersloot added a double-double for Gonzaga, recording 15 points and 11 rebounds.
Saint Mary's returns to action in San Diego, CA, as they await their seeding in the WCC tournament. Action will begin on Thursday, March 6 with times to be announced.
