California State University at Northridge
6-1
Saint Mary's (CA)
5-1
Team Stats
Game Leaders
Players Mentioned
CSUN Falls 73-63 to Saint Mary's
12/4/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Rebounding proved to be a decisive factor in the second half and helped the Gaels power past the Matadors. Saint Mary's out-rebounded the CSUN 28-13 over the final 20 minutes of the game and grabbed 10 offensive rebounds. Those extra opportunities resulted in 10 second-chance points in the second half, which equaled the difference in the game.
CSUN also battled foul trouble all evening. The Matadors carried double the fouls the Gaels had for most of the second half and that helped Saint Mary's to finish 27-of-33 (81.8 percent) from the charity stripe. Conversely, CSUN attempted just nine free throws for the entire game.
"When you get out-rebounded by 23 and you give up 33 free throws on the road, you have no chance to win," CSUN head coach Jason Flowers said.
Still, CSUN had its chances and an offensive foul call negated a 3-pointer from Ashlee Guay that would have drawn the score within 61-57 with 3:45 left in the contest.
In the first half, CSUN started slowly and trailed 10-2 to start the game. However, the Matadors were able to put together a strong response and led 33-27 at halftime.
Guay led all players with 16 points in the contest. She had one assist, one steal and two 3-pointers in 25 minutes of action before fouling out. She needs 33 more 3-pointers to set a new school career record.
Janae Sharpe had a solid game for the Matadors in defeat. She finished with 14 points, six rebounds, eight assists and three steals in 38 minutes of action. Cinnamon Lister added 14 points on four 3-pointers in 29 minutes.
Camille Mahlknecht pulled down 10 rebounds to post her 25th career double-figure rebounding performance. She added six points and two blocks before fouling out in 34 minutes.
Making her collegiate debut, Katelin King poured in nine points on three 3-pointers. A redshirt freshman from West Sacramento, King missed all of 2013-14 due to injury but wasted little time reacclimating herself to the court.
"Katelin stepping on the floor is one of the most meaningful things that has happened since we started at CSUN," Flowers added. "Her journey and the work she has put in to get back on the court has been amazing. The fact that she played well and contributed makes me very proud for that kid."
Lauren Nicholson led three Gaels is double-figures with 14 points. Carli Rosenthal finished with 11 points and 16 rebounds for Saint Mary's.
Despite the loss, CSUN still has posted its best start in its Division I history.
The Matadors will look to rebound on Saturday, Dec. 6 when they host the Pepperdine Waves at The Mataadome. Tip off is slated for 4 p.m. and the game will be followed by the CSUN men's team taking on Vanguard at 7 p.m. Separate tickets are required for each game.