SAN FRANCISCO – The SF State women's basketball team was near even all night long with vising Dominican, but an explosive run in the second quarter proved to be the difference as the Penguins defeated the Gators 72-62 at The Swamp at the Don Nasser Family Plaza on Saturday evening.

The Gators (1-3) shot well from the floor, connecting on 33.3 percent, going 24-for-72.  Three players scored in double figures for SF State, who was led by junior forward Tatsiana Dashkevich.  Playing in just her second game of the season, Dashkevich finished with a team-high 16 points, going 4-for-10 from the floor and including 3-for-7 from 3-ponit range.  From the charity stripe she was a perfect 5-for-5.

Also scoring in double figures for the Gators was Naila Washington who tallied 15 points and Laura Lawson who finished with 14 points.  Lawson also grabbed a game-high 17 rebounds, eight coming on the offensive side of the ball. 

Dominican (3-1) had three players score in double figures and was led by forward Allyssa Weatherd's game-high 21 points.  Weathered did most of her damage inside the paint where, where she drew a lot of contact.  She attempted 18 free throws on the night and made 11 of them.

The Penguins hit 40.7 percent from the floor on the evening, shooting 24-for-72.  They were outscored by the Gators in the first and fourth quarter.  The difference in the game was the second period where they went on a huge run late, scoring 28 points in the quarter.

The late first half barrage included three, 3-points baskets, that helped to give Dominican a 10 point lead into the break.

Out of the break the Gators offense sputtered, missing their first eight shots to start the third quarter.   The Penguins came out firing, taking a 16 point lead, 49-33 with 6:22 left in the third quarter.  The lead would hover at 15, 58-43 going into the fourth quarter.

Defensively, SF State picked up the tempo in the fourth quarter and opened up the period pressing the Penguins.  The added pressure worked.  The Gator forced several turnovers in the fourth quarter that resulted in seven points and many easy layups. 

With a minute on the clock Dashkevich nailed a three from the corner to cut the Penguins lead to five, 67-62.  That was as close the Gators would get it as Dominican closed out the game on a 5-0 run to win 72-62.

The Gators return to action to action on Monday, November 30 when they host Cal Maritime for the final non-conference tune-up before CCAA action starts. 

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Post Game Video
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Gator Athletics has a proud tradition of competitive success within the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The department offers 12 intercollegiate sports programs: Baseball, Men's and Women's Basketball, Men's and Women's Cross Country, Men's and Women's Soccer, Softball, Women's Track & Field, Women's Volleyball and Men's Wrestling.

Gator Athletics places great emphasis on academic performance as well as athletic achievement. The program offers student athletes the opportunity to reach their educational goals, as well pursue meaningful athletic accomplishments.  For more information, visit SF State Athletics' website, Twitter and Facebook pages.