SAN DIEGO, Calif. – After getting outscored 23-8 in the third quarter and surrendering their first lead of the night, Saint Mary's responded with a 28-point fourth quarter to retake the lead and sweep the Toreros for the first time since 2022. Maia Jones popped for 23 points, her third 20-point game of the season, with 11 of those points coming in the fourth quarter. 

The Gaels had a balanced scoring night finishing 61% from the field and 46% from three and held San Diego to just 1-of-8 from beyond the arc. Outside of the third quarter, the Gaels controlled most of the game forcing 24 turnovers defensively and racking up a game high 15 steals. They improve to 7-2 in conference play and will look for their fourth straight win Saturday night against Santa Clara. 

FIRST HALF SMC 36-25 USD

The Gaels had one of their best offensive quarters of the season as they missed just one field goal, finishing the opening quarter 9-of-10 from the field and 2-of-2 from three. The offense would slow down for both teams in the second as Saint Mary's held an 11-point lead at the half. 

FINAL SMC 72-63 USD

Saint Mary's would hit a cold spell in the third quarter finishing just 31% from the field while San Diego exploded for nine made field goals on 65% shooting. The Toreros did their work in the paint as they were just 1-of-2 from three and outscored the Gaels 40-34 in the paint on the night. 

Maia Jones would take over though in the fourth with a pair of clutch three pointers and 11 points in the quarter. Saint Mary's would put up a game high 28 points in the quarter and had three starters in double figures. They didn't take a lot of shots on the night but were ultra efficient, finishing 61% from the field and 46% from three. 

Zeryhia Aokuso and Kennedy Johnson combined for 23 points while Jada Hunter got her fourth start of the season and recorded nine points and four steals. Emily Foy was also 3-4 from the field off the bench to finish with seven points.  
 
LOOKING AHEAD

Saint Mary's improved to 11-7 overall and 7-2 in conference play after completing the regular season sweep over San Diego for the first time since 2022. The Gaels will return to Moraga to take on Santa Clara this Saturday at 5:00 PM. Stream the game live on ESPN+ and get your tickets online at smcgaels.com/tickets. 

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