SAN FRANCISCO – Brianna Harden's first collegiate career double-double (17 points/14 rebounds) carried the SF State Gators to a 76-45 victory over the visiting Pacific Union Pioneers (0-4) this evening in the Gators' regular season home opener. Katie Batlin also had a double-double with 18 points and 10 steals.

"First half was sloppy as we were not playing individually and collectively as a team," said SF State head coach Dr. Joaquin Wallace. "However, we were able to play better in the second half." "We are going to have to play with better energy Friday night."

Besides Harden and Batlin scoring in double digits, Angela Van Sickel added 11 points for the Gators.

Pacific Union took a 9-4 lead in the first 10 minutes of the game, which was the last time the visitors held the lead.

The Gators held their guests scoreless for the next five minutes as they took a 14-9 lead on two made free throws by Batlin.

Lidia Rivas cut the Gator lead to 20-17 on a three, but SF State finished the half outscoring Pacific Union 4-1 to take a 24-18 lead into the locker room at the half.

SF State came out on fire early in the second half as the hosts built a 39-23 lead capped by two made free throws by Lauren Varney at the 14:23 mark of the second half.

Pacific Union cut its deficit to 41-30 on a Haley Ryals' jumper, but the Gators outscored the Pioneers 16-7 in the next four minutes to take a 57-37 lead on a Kristian Juarez three.

SF State never looked back after that as they cruised to a 76-45 non-conference win at The Swamp.

Victoria Aguilera led the Pioneers with 12 points and 12 rebounds.

SF State forced 29 turnovers by its opponents while holding the Pioneers to just 30% shooting from the field. The Gators also out-rebounded their opponents 51-38.

The Gators will return to the court this Friday evening at 6pm in Atherton, Calif., for a non-conference game with Menlo College. They will return home a week from this evening at 5pm for a non-conference game with Holy Names University.

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