Saint Mary’s 4th Quarter Rally Falls Short, Santa Clara Wins 68-63
Saint Mary’s fell short in a tense match against Santa Clara, losing 68-63. Despite limiting the Broncos to 68 points—13 below their season average—the Gaels faced their second consecutive defeat in Moraga, California, on Saturday night.
Game Summary
Saint Mary’s entered halftime with a slim one-point lead (35-34). The Broncos responded strongly in the third quarter, scoring 25 points on 64% shooting. They gained a significant advantage, leading by as many as 12 points.
Although the Gaels tightened their defense in the fourth quarter and only allowed Santa Clara to score nine points, they struggled offensively. Their efforts fell short as they couldn’t convert enough opportunities to overcome the deficit.
Player Performances
- Jada Hunter: Matched her career high with 15 points, contributing three rebounds and three steals.
- Abigail Shoff: Continued her scoring streak with 14 points while shooting 50% from the field.
- Malia Latu: Added ten points and a career-high nine rebounds.
This marked just the second instance this season where three Gaels scored in double figures.
Quarter Breakdown
First Half
In the first quarter, Santa Clara showcased their prowess as the best three-point shooting team in the conference, jumping to a 20-12 lead. Jada Hunter’s early contribution kept Saint Mary’s in contention.
During the second quarter, the Gaels regrouped. They shot 47% from the field and pressured Santa Clara, limiting the Broncos to just one successful three-pointer out of six attempts.
Second Half
The third quarter proved pivotal as Santa Clara struck early with multiple three-pointers, establishing an 11-0 scoring run and widening their lead to 59-47 by the end of the quarter. The Gaels, known for their defensive strengths, attempted a comeback in the fourth quarter, launching a 16-5 scoring surge.
With just 1:21 remaining, they had closed the gap to one point. However, Santa Clara responded by sealing the victory with a late 4-0 run.
Key Statistics
- Paint points: Saint Mary’s 36, Santa Clara 26
- Second chance points: Saint Mary’s 15, Santa Clara 9
- Rebounds: Both teams ended with 37
- Turnovers: Saint Mary’s recorded 15, maintaining a trend of fewer turnovers in recent games.
- Three-pointers made by Santa Clara: 9
- Free throw percentage: Santa Clara 11-for-15
Looking Ahead
With a record of 11-9 overall and 2-5 in conference play, Saint Mary’s aims to bounce back against Pepperdine on January 22nd. The game will take place at 6:30 PM, and tickets are available online. Fans can also follow the action live on ESPN+.
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