MORAGA, Calif. – Saint Mary's Women's basketball secured a 74-67 victory in a Saturday afternoon match up against the Santa Clara Broncos. 

In a day filled with basketball action in Moraga, as both the men's and women's basketball teams hit the court for a doubleheader, the Women's Basketball team provided a thriller in the matinee. Saint Mary's celebrated Australian Heritage in both games as well.

Maia Jones opened up the game with a quick three pointer from the left wing. She nailed another one from the corner to bring the Gaels to a 9-6 advantage over the Broncos with 6:25 to go in the first quarter. Zeryhia Aokuso recorded her first points of the game with a put back from the block. The freshman guard secured her fourth WCC Freshman of the Week award earlier this week. SMC finished the quarter with a 19-15 lead over Santa Clara. 

The scoring continued for the Gaels, as Hannah Rapp drove to the basket and finished the layup after some defensive stops. After an offensive rebound and a mid range jumper, the Broncos picked up their first lead of the game with 5:27 left in the first half.

Their lead did not last long, as an easy layup by Ruby Vlahov put Saint Mary's up 23-22 with 4:32 remaining. After a possession of solid defense that forced a shot clock violation, Maia Jones nailed a three pointer from the corner to put the Gaels up 30-22. Zeryhia Aokuso finished her layup at the buzzer, and the Gaels took a 32-25 lead into halftime. 

SMC shot 48.1% from FG in the first half, compared to Santa Clara's 34.5%. Aokuso was the only player in double digits at the half, with 10 points on 71.4% FG. Jones was close behind her, with nine points, after shooting 3-4 from three this half. 

Tayla Dalton's layup was the Gael's first scoring of the second half. Santa Clara did not shy away, but a three pointer and a layup from Ali Bamberger within a minute pushed the lead to six with 5:34 remaining in the third quarter. The Gaels and Broncos traded baskets all quarter, and were tied up with 3:15 remaining in the third period. Tayla Dalton knocked down a floater at the buzzer to tie the game 50-50 going into the final quarter. 

SCU had a 25 point third quarter, but it was not enough to secure a lead over the Gaels before the final quarter. 

To open up the fourth quarter, Maia Jones finished a layup on the right side. The freshman guard did not slow down, as her step back was good and she nailed two free throws to keep the Gaels up 56-53. Jones already had 20 points with a little under seven minutes remaining. A made layup and three pointer by Ali Bamberger electrified the crowd and pushed Saint Mary's lead to five. The Broncos stayed close, but Zeriyah Aokuso's layup pushed the lead to six with 1:24 left in the game.  

In the final minute, Tayla Dalton stepped up and took a charge, giving the Gaels a big defensive stop. Santa Clara was able to cut the lead to three, but Aokuso's six clutch free throws and the Gaels strong defense in the final minute kept the Broncos away. 

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

Maia Jones, the New Zealand native led the way for the Gaels on Australian Heritage Day. She finished the game with 22 points after shooting 57.1% from the three point line. This was her highest scoring game this season. Zeriyah Aokuso had an impressive game of her own, with 21 points and seven rebounds. 

UP NEXT:

The Gaels will play again at home on Saturday, February 3 as they host the Portland Pilots at 5:00 pm at the UCU Pavilion.