THE RUNDOWN
MORAGA, Calif. – The University of San Francisco women's basketball team was defeated by Saint Mary's (17-9, 10-5), 64-72, Thursday evening at the McKeon Pavilion. The loss means a sweep for the Gaels over the Dons in regular season play. It also snaps USF's three-game win streak. Although junior guard Shannon Powell put up impressive, career-best numbers, the USF was unable to take down SMC.
The Dons might have led by seven in the first quarter, but the first half was about the Gaels. They shot 53.3 from the field over the opening two quarters to take a 41-33 lead over the visitors. Although USF actually shot better in the second half, the whole had been dug from damage earlier on. Couple with the fact that SMC brought in 51 rebounds to the Dons 29, Coach Goodenbour's squad could not make a comeback on the road.
ICYMI
GAME NOTES
- Shannon Powell led the Dons with season-high 21 points. She also contributed four rebounds, two assists and two steals.
- Powell hit five three points, shot 83.3 percent from beyond the perimeter and 70.0 percent (7-10) from field-goal range, all career bests.
- Kayln Simon added 17 points.
- Anna Seilund recorded a game-high nine assists, one shy of her career high.
- Michaela Rakova brought down a game-high 15 rebounds in the loss, marking her third consecutive game bringing in 10-plus boards.
- The Dons, one of the best rebounding teams in the WCC, were out rebounded 29-51.
- USF's 29 rebounds were one away from tying a season low. Their season low rebounds (28) came against their last match versus the Gaels.
- The Gaels outscore the Dons 44-24 points in the paint.
- SMC shot 53.3 percent from the field in the first half.
#Play4Kay #FT4Kay #Dons4Kay
The #Play4Kay free-throw challenge continues this week with two WCC games on Thursday and Saturday. The #Play4Kay free-throw challenge continues this through February. Please pledge to make a donation for every free throw the Dons make all throughout the month of February! Over three four contests in February the Dons have recorded 54 buckets from the charity stripe. Pledge now! Keep track of the free throws on the women's basketball team Twitter and join the conversation using the hashtags #Play4Kay #FT4Kay #Dons4Kay.
UP NEXT
The Dons head to Los Angeles to take on the Lions in a Saturday afternoon contest. Tip-off is schedule for 2 pm. After the two road games this week, the Dons return home to War Memorial on Thursday Feb. 22 to take on Pacific in a 7 p.m. match up. The game will be the final home game of the year and will honor four seniors in a Senior Night ceremony. Tickets are still available.
After their bout with the Tigers, USF heads to Southern California to visit the San Diego Toreros in the final regular-season contest on Sat. Feb. 24 at 2 p.m.
For updates on USF women's basketball, follow the Dons on Twitter: @usfdonswbb.
