SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- In a back-and-forth affair with each team taking control of the contest at various points, the USF Dons women's basketball team (6-10, 0-4) dropped a close game on the road to the Santa Clara Broncos (8-4, 2-0) 83-78 Saturday evening at the Leavey Center.

USF received stellar performances from guards Jasmine Gayles and Ioanna Krimili, as Gayles set a new career-high with 28 points and Krimili notched 22 points for the Dons against Santa Clara. It was the third straight road contest for the Dons prior to a return to War Memorial at the Sobrato Center.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

• The Broncos got off to a quick start on their home floor as they took a five point lead at the end of the first quarter due to their strong shooting.
• USF roared back in the second quarter by getting out in transition and playing strong half court defense to head into the locker room with the four point advantage. 
• Santa Clara took back control of the game in the third quarter as they benefited from numerous chances at the free throw line against the Dons.
• Fighting valiantly to the final buzzer, USF got within striking distance of evening the score before the Broncos pulled away for the five point victory.

NOTABLE PERFORMANCES:

• Gayles was phenomenal the entire night as she set a new career-high with 28 points as she continues to light up the WCC. The Seattle native was a very efficient 10-of-16 from the field to go along with six rebounds and an assist.
• Krimili scored 22 on 7-of-16 shooting while also grabbing six rebounds, dishing three assists and didn't commit a turnover.
• Jessica McDowell-White continued her streak of playing the majority of the game, in 39 minutes of play she matched her season-high with 12 points as well as four assists and rebounds.

UP NEXT:
USF heads home for a three-game home stand starting Monday in a rematch with the Santa Clara Broncos at War Memorial. Monday night's game will be the second and final meeting between the schools in the regular season. 

TICKETS AND MERCHANDISE:
Single-game tickets for West Coast Conference basketball games are currently on sale at www.usfdons.com/tickets. 

Want to dress like the Dons? Rep USF today by visiting the all-new USF Dons online store at www.usfdons.com/shop.

FOLLOW US:
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.