Ellensburg, Wash.--- In a defensive battle in the First Round of the Wildcat Classic in Ellensburg, Washington, it was the visiting SF State Gators (2-0) defeating the host, Central Washington 51-36.   The Gators held Central Washington to 30% shooting while forcing the Wildcats into 26 turnovers and recording 12 steals. 

            “Tonight, I was proud of our defensive intensity as we were able to hold the Wildcats to 16 second half points,” said SF State Head Coach Joaquin Wallace.  “Offensively our offense flowed as we had balanced scoring throughout the game,” added Wallace.  “I am hopeful we can play with the same passion tomorrow.”

            The Gators jumped out to a 10-4 in the first seven minutes capped by a Desiree Butler (Lancaster, California, Pasadena City College)lay-up.  Central Washington (0-6) followed that with a 9-2 run of its own to take a 13-12 lead with 8:00 left in the first stanza.  SF State ended the half outscoring the Wildcats 12-7 to take a 24-20 lead into the locker room.

            SF State started the second half on a 14-6 run to take its largest lead on a Jessica Hout-Freeman (Fremont, California, Washington) lay-up (38-26) with ten minutes left in the game.  The Gators finished the game 13-10 to take the 51-36 non-conference victory.

            ZaLisha Oliver (Sacramento, California, Luther Burbank) paced the Gators with 10 points while Krystle Mays (Long Beach, California, Chatsworth) and Desiree Butler each chipped in 8 points.  SF State also out-rebounded the Wildcats 35-27 keyed by Dominique Hunter (San Francisco, California, Gateway)seven boards. 

            The Gators will return to the court tomorrow afternoon at 4:30pm for their second round match-up with Western State (CO) in Ellensburg, Washington.     
Box Score