Dec. 2, 2005

Box Score

RENO, Nev. - Stephanie Hawk scored a career-high 28 points as the Gonzaga University Bulldogs (2-5) ended a four-game losing skid with a 92-68 victory over Northwestern State University (4-2) of Louisiana during opening round action at the John Ascuaga's Nugget Classic in Reno.

The Bulldogs had the break out offensive half they have been looking for all season as they connected for 61 percent over the first 12 minutes of the opening half to post a 28-11 lead. After falling behind 5-4, Gonzaga went on a 21-6 run over a 10 minute span with Stephanie Hawk scoring 10 of the 21 including two 3-pointers. Sasha Polishchuck and Katie Prichard also drained 3's during the long GU run.

Gonzaga ended the half shooting 57 percent to take a 48-24 lead into the half. Hawk led all players with 19 first half points while Anne Bailey contributed 11 for the Bulldogs. Northwestern State was limited to 26 percent, hitting several shots down the stretch to increase that number. Sheronda Bell had 11 to lead the Lady Demons including 2-for-7 from 3-point range.

Northwestern State pressed the tempo out of the half opening with a quick 12-3 run as LaTonya Perry had a pair of buckets. Gonzaga responded with the low post play of Hawk and Maria Hassett who each scored two buckets as the Bulldogs pushed the lead back to 59-36 at the 16 minute mark.

A determined Lady Demon's team kept applying the pressure as they closed to within 14 on a Shenise Milliner lay-up at 6:34. Gonzaga pushed the lead back out to 20 points with just over 5 minutes left as Elaina Renius hit a pair of free throws. Gonzaga connected for 22 of 27 from the free throw line.

The Bulldogs advance to face the University of Northern Colorado in Saturday's Nugget Classic Championship game at 3 p.m. Northern Colorado picked up a 68-52 win over host the University of Nevada.

Bailey finished with 14 points and Polishchuck 10 for Gonzaga. Bell was Northwestern State's leading scorer with 27.