CORVALLIS, Ore. - Heading up to Oregon State with a 2-0 record, Saint Mary's looked to maintain their momentum after the season's perfect start. However, despite a competitive final three quarters, the Gaels could not overcome a big first period produced by the No. 8-ranked Beavers.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- QUARTER 1 | Oregon State took an early, 5-0 lead. However, a pair of free throws and a block from senior Megan McKay led to a layup from sophomore Emily Codding to bring the Gaels to within one point (5-4). Nonetheless, quick play from OSU and a 13-2 run gave the Beavers an 18-6 lead at the first timeout. The Beavers shot just under 50 percent in the opening eight minutes. Oregon State ended the first quarter with five-consecutive 3-pointers while hitting seven of nine in the opening quarter. SMC headed to the second period trailing 30-12.
- QUARTER 2 | Saint Mary's scored the first four points of the quarter to cut the deficit to 14 (30-16) and held OSU from scoring for over three minutes. Nevertheless, the Beavers continued to utilize the 3-ball, scoring two-consecutive triples to make it 36-16. Freshman Sam Simons responded with a 3-pointer of her own, her first of the contest to give her seven points, the most of any Gael at that point. Oregon State continued to extend their lead however, taking a 22-point, 48-26 advantage into the half.
- QUARTER 3 | SMC went point-for-point with OSU in the first half of the third quarter, and went on a 7-point run from 6:05-5:15. However, the Beavers maintained their lead which they stretched to 28 with 2:20 left in the period.
- QUARTER 4 | Oregon State scored the first four baskets of the final quarter, stretching their lead to 36 (81-45), a deficit from which the Gaels could not recover. Saint Mary's scored 11 more points in the fourth, but ultimately fell 89-56.
NUMBERS TO KNOW
- 16: No. of points scored by Simons (a career-high). She is now averaging 13.6 points.
- .857: Simon's shooting percentage against OSU (6-for-7) – also a career-best
- 14: No. of forced turnovers (a season-high)
COMING UP
Saint Mary's will return home where they will host the Saint Mary's Thanksgiving Classic Friday, November 23 and Saturday, November 24.