Box Score
(San Francisco) - Mel Khlok posted a career night, scoring 32 points with six steals, as the University of San Francisco women's basketball team defeated Saint Mary's 66-64 at War Memorial Gym. A last second jumper by Rheina Ale proved to be the game-winner over the Gaels, who were receiving votes in the national polls.
The last time a San Francisco Don (4-17 overall, 2-6 WCC) scored 30 or more points in a game was in 2008, was when Dominique Carter scored 35 points at Saint Mary's (15-6 overall, 6-2 WCC). Khlok's 32-point effort ranks as tied for seven in the single-game record books.
"It was a great game," said Khlok. "We were down a couple players, but we didn't let that set us back. We followed the game plan that Coach set, and it worked. I just wanted to win. As a team, we have been working so hard. Coach has always believed in us. I am a strong believer in our system and tonight it worked for us."
Khlok shot 10-for-12 from the field, including going 6-for-7 from 3-point range. The junior from Sacramento State fell one three shy of the school record of 7, marking the second time this season a member of the Green and Gold has done so. Katy Keating hit six 3-point baskets at UC Davis earlier this season.
Khlok's shooting average, .833, during the game ranks tied for eighth in the record book. The record, shooting a perfect 1.000 with a minimum of eight attempts, has been accomplished twice, including once by Ale.
Khlok's six steals is highest single game mark for USF since Ale nabbed six at San Diego last season. The school, War Memorial Gym, and West Coast Conference record for steals in a game is 11 and held by Teri Hunt.
The Dons opened the game lights out from 3-point range as four of the first five San Francisco baskets came from deep. USF jumped out to a six point, 22-16 lead at 8:23. Saint Mary's battled back, going up by as many as four, but San Francisco held the Gaels scoreless over the final 2:26 to hold a 36-31 halftime lead.
Khlok was shot lights out in the first half, going a perfect 5-for-5 from the field, hitting three 3-point baskets. She finished the half with 17 points and four steals.
In the second half, the lead traded sides eight times and stood dead even nine times. In the final 10 minutes of the game, no team held a lead larger than two points.
Down by two, 64-62 with 1:10 remaining, Khlok recorded a lay-up to tie the game. Following two missed jumpers from USF, the clock stood had two seconds remaining. As Saint Mary's brought the ball up the floor, Khlok grabbed her sixth steal, passing it to Ale. The senior went up for the jumper, rolling the ball off her fingers right as time expired for the win.
Ale finished 12 points and a team-high seven rebounds. Alicia Scafidi posted a career-night with 11 points and six boards.
Jasmine Smith led Saint Mary's with 19 points.
Prior to Monday's game, USF had not defeated SMC since 2007-08. In early 2008, the Dons defeated the Gaels 80-68 in Moraga.
San Francisco will return to action Thursday, as they host San Diego at 7 p.m. at War Memorial Gym.
