Jan. 20, 2000

Box Score

SPOKANE, Wash. - Gonzaga University?s women?s basketball team dropped its West Coast Conference home opener to Saint Mary?s College 69-36 Thursday night.

The Zags (8-8, 1-2 WCC) were as cold from the floor shooting as the three-inches of snow on the ground outside the Martin Centre. Gonzaga connected on just 12-of-60 shots from the field for a frigid 20 percent and hit just 3-of-17 from 3-point range for an even more dismal 17.6 percent. The Gaels (11-5, 3-0 WCC) hit 29-of-65 shots on the night for 44.6 percent and buried 7-of-13 shots from beyond the arc (53.8 percent).

Saint Mary?s went on a 12-0 run to end the first half and took a 38-17 lead into the locker room. Things didn?t get much better for the Bulldogs in the second half as the Gaels extended their lead and held Gonzaga to just five field goals from the floor.

The Gaels denying man-to-man defense completely shut down Gonzaga?s shooters throughout the game as high-scorer Jessica Malone hit just 2-of-9 shots from the field and was held under double-figures in scoring for the first time in 11 games.

The Bulldogs were paced by Heather Osberg?s season-high 11 points on 4-of-9 shooting. Senior Kristin Deal pulled down eight rebounds for the Zags who were out-rebounded by the Gaels 58-36. Senior forward Tracy Morris hit 8-of-14 shots from the field and 3-of-6 from 3-point range to lead Saint Mary?s with 20 points. Jerkisha Dosty finished the night with a double-double. The sophomore forward scored 14 points and pulled down a game-high 11 rebounds.

Gonzaga will return to action this Saturday when they host WCC rival University of San Diego (8-7, 1-2 WCC). Saturday is Take A Kid To The Game night at the Martin Centre and any youth ages 18 and under will receive free admission if accompanied by a paying adult. Tickets can be purchased at the gate for $5. Game-time is set for 7 p.m.