Jasmine Smith (32) had 20 points in the loss. Photo Tod Fierner

Saint Mary's women's basketball battled for first place in the WCC last weekend. The Gaels played host to #20 Gonzaga. With a win and an upset of #23 BYU by Santa Clara, the Gaels could have been tied for first place in the WCC standings.
Unfortunately, both ranked teams held on and Saint Mary's fell to 7-3 (16-7 overall) and fourth place in the WCC.
The Gaels kept the game close until late in the first half when Gonzaga went on a 17-0 run to build a 41-26 lead heading into the locker room.
Saint Mary's came out of the gate strong in the second half, rallying to overcome the deficit. The Gaels took the lead 66-64 off of a three-pointer from senior guard Jasmine Smith with 3:44 to play. The Bulldogs responded with a three to regain control. With 1:04 to play, senior guard Alex Carbonel hit a lay-up to pull the Gaels within one point, 69-68.
Out of a timeout, Gonzaga hit a three-pointer with 42 seconds remaining. Saint Mary's could not overcome the deficit as Gonzaga kept possession and let the clock run out.
Smith led the Gaels with 20 points. Sophomore forward Danielle Mauldin added 18 points and 15 rebounds, both season-highs. Carbonel had 17 points.
The Gaels return to action next week in Provo against #23 BYU on February 4. Saint Mary's returns home on February 9 against Portland at 6:00 p.m.

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