March 19, 2004

Box Score

CORVALLIS, Ore. - Despite being within two points with 45 second left in the game, the Gonzaga University women's basketball team was denied a victory in its first postseason game in ten years by Oregon State University, 69-64. The Bulldogs end their season with an 18-12 overall record during the first round of the Women's National Invitation Tournament.

The Bulldogs were led by junior Ashley Burke with 17 points, followed by Shannon Mathews with 16 points. Sophomore Ashley Anderson notched 11 points for Gonzaga, while Raeanna Jewell had a game high seven rebounds.

The Beavers (16-14) featured four players in double figures, including a double-double by Leilani Estavan with 20 points, 10 assists. Brina Chaney, Shannon Howell and Hollye Chapman all added 10 points each to the OSU effort.

Gonzaga took the early lead, scoring a quick eight unanswered points in the first two minutes of play. The Bulldogs maintained the advantage, holding as much as an 11-point lead over the Beavers at 19-8 with 10:49 to play in the first half. OSU returned the charge with a 16-1 run to take the lead, 31-26, with 3:48 on the clock. Gonzaga would only score three more points to the Beavers' seven from that point on as the Bulldogs trailed 38-19 at half.

Gonzaga was led by Mathews with eight points and Burke with seven during the first half, the Bulldogs going 50 percent (10-for-20) from the field without any offensive rebounds.

Oregon State featured two players in double figures by half, Estavan with 12 points and Chapman with 10.

The Beavers controlled the second half, keeping at least a six point margin between themselves and the Bulldogs. Gonzaga brought the game within five points, 63-58 with 0:56.3 on the clock with Ashley Anderson at the line for the Bulldogs. Mathews hit a 3-pointer to bring the game within two.

Estavan sank two free throws for OSU before the Beavers forced a turnover for the Bulldogs, then drew the foul. Shannon Howell put away two points for OSU to extend the lead to 67-61 with 27 seconds, but Delphine Lecoultre knocked down a 3-pointer for Gonzaga to bring the game within three. Another two free throws were added by Estavan to give the Beavers the win, 69-64.

The Bulldogs shot 41.1 percent (23-for-56) from the field, shooting only 36.1 percent (13-for-36) during the second half. Gonzaga was plagued by 19 turnovers and outrebounded 38-35.

"This was a tough loss, but it was great experience and we have a bright future ahead of us," said head coach Kelly Graves.

Oregon State will continue its season by traveling to University of Nebraska in the second round of the WNIT.