Jan. 20, 2005

Box Score

SPOKANE, Wash. - Gonzaga University extended the nation's second longest winning streak to 12 games on Thursday night as the Bulldogs (16-2, 5-0 WCC) picked up an 81-62 West Coast Conference victory over the University of San Francisco at the McCarthey Athletic Center. The Bulldogs benefited from their most balanced scoring effort of the season with six players finishing in double-figures. USF dropped to 7-10 overall, 1-3 in WCC action.

The balanced scoring started from the tip as Stephanie Hawk, Shannon Mathews and Raeanna Jewell all scored early baskets that allowed the Bulldogs to race out to a 12-4 lead over the first five minutes. After a jumper by Leeane Jensen that trimmed the lead to 12-6, Gonzaga once again pulled away from USF extending the lead to as high as 13 points at the 8:35 mark as Ashley Burke converted the first of two free throw attempts.

San Francisco battled to keep the game under control and closed back to within six points at 30-24 when Jennifer Katsuyama hit a 3-pointer with 5:04 remaining. Burke then led Gonzaga on a 7-0 run hitting a lay-up, pair of free throws and 3-pointer to finish with 8 first-half points and 18 for the game. Gonzaga would close out the first half with a 3-pointer by Juliann Laney that handed Gonzaga a 43-31 halftime lead.

"We played in a nice rhythm offensively," stated head coach Kelly Graves after picking up his 16th win of the season. "We had six players score in double-figures which was nice because it didn't allow USF to focus on just one player to try and shut down. San Francisco came into this game determined to knock us off and I give our team credit for responding to the challenge."

The Bulldogs offensive balance continued in the second half as Burke, Mathews and Jewell all scored early points to push the GU lead to 16 points with 13:48 remaining. After a big run by the Bulldogs starting five, Gonzaga continued to stay in the offensive rhythm with Anne Bailey and Katy Ridenour contributing off the bench. Gonzaga would push the lead to as high as 20 points at 78-58 before Mathews closed out Gonzaga's scoring with a 3-pointer. Lisa Olden scored a pair of baskets to round out USF's night. Freshman Dominique Carter finished as the Dons leading scorer with 16 points while Mary Jane Krueger and Jennifer Katsuyama each added 11 points.

"We came out and played our game tonight," added senior point guard Shannon Mathews of the six GU players finishing in double-figures with 13. "Our goal was to pound the ball inside and try to use our post players to our advantage."

The advantage in the post was evident as Gonzaga held a 26-20 points in the paint lead. Hawk, Jewell and Ridenour all finished with 10 points while Bailey chipped in with 12 to round out the six Bulldogs in double-figures. Gonzaga returns to action on Saturday afternoon with a matinee against the University of San Diego. The Bulldogs and Toreros will tip off at 2 p.m. at the McCarthey Athletic Center.