Jan. 10, 2009

Box Score

(Moraga, Calif.) Necolia Simmons recorded a double-double for USF women's basketball team as the Dons dropped an 89-62 decision to Saint Mary's College at McKeon Pavilion in Moraga, Calif. With the loss, the Dons dropped to 4-12 overall and 0-2 in West Coast Conference play on the season, while the Gaels improved to 6-11 overall and 2-0 against league opponents.

The Dons fell behind early in the opening half, as the Gaels opened the half on a 13-2 run before USF began to chip away at the deficit. Saint Mary's never relinquished the lead, but San Francisco pulled within four, 30-26, thanks to a three pointer by Shay Rollins at 5:06. SMC then rallied for outscore USF 10-3 over the next four minutes to take a seven point, 40-33, lead into halftime.

USF struggles continued in the second stanza as the Dons shot just .243 from the field. The Gaels continued their strong play, extending their lead to as many as 27 points, en route to capturing the victory.

Simmons led the Dons with 18 total points, 13 of which came in the opening half. Simmons also posted a team-high 10 rebounds and a career-best three steals. The game marked Simmons team-best fifth double-double of the season and the 10th of her career.

Junior guard Danesha Wright, who missed Thursday's game at San Diego, came off the bench for the Dons to scored 15 points in 31 minutes of action. Wright posted a game-high three 3-pointers, going 4-from-14 from the field and 4-for-6 from the charity stripe.

Freshman guard Rheina Ale also posted double-digit scoring for the Dons, recording a dozen points, marking her second straight game with 10 or more points.

Senior Shay Rollins posted seven points before fouling out late in the second half. The seven points snaps a 21-game double-digit scoring streak for the guard. Rollins also posted four steals with three assists and a pair of rebounds.

For the game, Wright and the USF bench posted 23 points, marking a season best. Joining Wright off the bench, Donnisha Taylor with four points and Jakkie Boka-Timmerberg and Heidi Anton with two points each. Katy Keating led reserves with two rebounds and a game-high four steals for San Francisco.

Saint Mary's Louella Tomlinson led the Gales with a triple-double thanks to 28 points, 12 rebounds and 11 blocks. Maija Lahde also had 20-plus points for SMC, finishing the afternoon with 22 points, eight off of free throws.

The Dons resume play Thursday as they open the home slate of the WCC season Thursday when they host Portland at War Memorial Gym. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.