By Derrick Ow- Editor
The Saint Mary’s Gaels, (4-3) took care of business on Tuesday night as they defeated San Jose State, (3-4) 79-71 at the UCU Pavilion.
SJSU climbed back from a 6-0 deficit in the first quarter. Both teams finished the first quarter tied at 19.
However, the three-headed Gaels monster led by fifth year guard Madeline Holland, redshirt sophomore forward Ali Bamberger and senior guard Taycee Wedin all scored in double digits.
Wedin had a game high 23 points and four rebounds. Holland had a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. The player of the game was Bamberger who dominated on the glass.
The Walnut Creek, Calif. Native had the game of her life. Bamberger earned her fourth double-double of the season with 22 points and a whopping 20 rebounds. The Gaels outrebounded the Spartans, 50-28.
Spartans head coach Jamie Craighead was displeased with how the Spartans started the game.
“We could not find a rhythm in the first half,” said Craighead. “Our energy was low and it was really tough to dig ourselves out of that hole.”
Junior guard Stephanie Torres ignited the Spartans in the second half. She scored a career-high 19 points off the bench.
“Steph played with a ton of heart and a ton of energy,” Craighead said.
Junior guard Ella Ogier led the Spartans with 20 points and went three for five from beyond the arc. Senior forward Cyndi Lewis did not register a point but did have a career-high four blocks and five rebounds. She did get a technical foul early in the fourth quarter.
But if the Spartans want to get off to faster starts, they will need to win the rebound battle and limit the long offensive rebounds which went Saint Mary’s way.
The Spartans continue their road odyssey as they head south to take on the UC San Diego Tritons, (2-3). The Tritons have lost their last three games so this could be the game the Spartans can click on all cylinders at RIMAC Arena.
Tipoff for Friday night’s game will be at 7 p.m. The game will be streamed on ESPN +.
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