Jan. 6, 2006

Box Score

SPOKANE, Wash. - Gonzaga University sophomore Dominique Harris scored a career-high 13 points to spark a first half run as the Bulldogs (6-10, 1-0 WCC) made a 10-point half time lead standup in a 70-60 win over Santa Clara University in the West Coast Conference opener for both clubs. The win gave Gonzaga little revenge after losing to the Broncos (6-8, 0-1 WCC) last year's WCC Tournament Championship in Santa Clara.

Harris who entered the game averaging 2.7 points per game, came off the bench with 13:28 remaining in the first half and the Bulldogs owning an 11-8 lead. She contributed four points including a 3-pointer during an 11-1 GU run that pushed the lead to 22-10 with 8:46 left. Harris added five more points during another 11-4 run as the Bulldogs led by as many as 17 points with 3:22 left in the half. Harris finished with all 13 points in the first half as Gonzaga entered the locker room leading 35-25.

"Dominique had a great game for us tonight," stated GU head coach Kelly Graves following the win. "She can be a great player for us when she plays within the system and tonight she really showed that."

Stephanie Hawk also added 13 first half points and 6 rebounds as Gonzaga shot 45 percent from the floor to open the game. Santa Clara was led by Michelle Cozad with 9 first half points but the Broncos were limited to only 26 percent shooting including a 3-for-11 performance from the 3-point line.

Santa Clara was able to warm up from 3-point range to open the second half as Kayla Huss scored 5 quick points including a 3-pointer to trim the Gonzaga lead to 39-34 with 16:27 left. Katy Ridenour responded for Gonzaga with a pair of free throws as the Bulldogs pushed the lead back to double digits. Santa Clara closed to within six points on two more occasions, the last at 10:05 as Cozad converted a three-point play. Cozad finished with 14 points and 11 rebounds while Huss added 13. Tracey Walker led Santa Clara with 17 as the Broncos hit 6-for-22 from long range all night.

Gonzaga was able to use its size difference to their advantage winning the battle on the boards by 19 with a 49-30 rebounding advantage. Two GU players turned in double-doubles with Hawk finishing with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Ashley Anderson scored 16 second half points to finish with 19 points and 13 rebounds.

The Bulldogs have now won 18 straight West Coast Conference games and will host Saint Mary's College on Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. The Gaels picked up a win over the University of Portland earlier Friday night.