SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. -- Returning home to the comforts of War Memorial Gym, the USF Dons women's basketball team (2-1) took care of business against the UC Davis Aggies on their way to a 73-46 victory in front of the home fans.

Guards Ioanna Krimili and Jasmine Gayles each scored 21 points, and the Dons' defense caused havoc throughout by forcing UC Davis into 26 turnovers. Senior Kia Vaalavirta made her season debut returning from injury scoring six points, securing two rebounds and dishing an assist while playing tough defense throughout. 

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

• USF came out strong racing to a 20-12 first quarter lead thanks to six quick points from Gayles off the bench. 
• The Dons built on their lead in the second quarter thanks to more timely offense and stingy defense to head into the locker room with a 14-point advantage. 
• In the final 20 minutes Krimili took control of the contest scoring all of her points and helping the Dons' cruise towards the finish line for their second victory early in the season.
• Thursday night's victory marks seven straight wins at War Memorial Gym for the program dating back to the 2020-21 season.

NOTABLE PERFORMANCES:

• Krimili shook off two early fouls in the first half to go off for all 21 of her points in the final 20 minutes. It was her second 20-point game of this season as she shot an efficient 8-of-13 from the field and 3-for-6 from three-point land.
• Gayles continued her impressive run to begin her Dons' career by providing 21 points off the bench, with 13 coming in the first half. 
• USF's defense was tremendous again playing on their home floor as they held the Aggies to a 32% shooting percentage while making life difficult throughout forcing 26 UC Davis turnovers.

CATCHING UP WITH COACH GOODENBOUR:
"I was really pleased with our defensive effort tonight. Davis is a perennially strong team that executes well and we knew that in order to be successful we would have to disrupt their offensive rhythm. Creating some turnovers allowed us to get some transition baskets and that helped us get into a better flow on the offensive end. Jasmine did a great job of penetrating and finishing, while Io knocked down some good shots. I'm pleased with our team effort." 

UP NEXT:
The Dons next game will be this Sunday afternoon as they welcome the Northern Colorado Bears (1-2) to War Memorial Gym for a 2 p.m. tip-off. USF is 3-6 historically against the Bears, but came out victorious in their last meeting by a score of 90-83 in Greeley. 

For updates and more information on the USF women's basketball program, follow the Dons @USFDonsWBB on Twitter, @USFDonsWBB on Instagram and @USFDonsWBB on Facebook.