SAN FRANCISCO – The SF State women's basketball team returns to action tonight after a nine day hiatus when they host Cal Maritime at 7:30 p.m. at the Swamp. The Monday night clash will be a precursor for Friday night's showdown against Chico State that will be televised on Comcast Hometown Network. The Gators wrap up the week taking on Stanislaus State at The Swamp at the Don Nasser Family Plaza.
The Gators (1-3) are fresh, having had the last nine days off, the last time out the Gators fell to Dominican 72-62 at home. After four contests, the Gators are averaging 52.2 points per game, and shooting 29.1 percent from the floor. Their opponents are averaging 64.5 points per game and shooting 39.7 percent from the field.
SF State has three players averaging double figures. Leading the squad is senior forward
Naila Washington who averages 15.8 points per game. The 15.8 points per game is currently fourth in the CCAA. She is second on the team with 32 rebounds, averaging 8.0 rebounds per game.
Junior forward
Laura Lawson has had a big impact early. The native of Fairfield, Calif., is averaging 12.3 points per game and 12.0 rebounds per game. She has posted back-to-back double-doubles. Against Dominican, Lawson was a force, scoring 14 points and grabbing 17 rebounds. In two games,
Tatsiana Dashkevich has averaged 11.0 points per game. In her second game of the year against the Penguins, she finished with a team-high 16 points.
Cal Maritime enters Monday night's contest with a 0-8 record. The Keelhaulers are from the NAIA and are members of the Cal Pac Conference. As a team, they average 57.8 points per game and are shooting 29.5 percent from the floor. Their opponents are averaging 81.1 points per contest and are shooting 41.6 percent from the floor.
Leading the team in scoring is senior guard Jennifer Keys. In eight games, she's averaging 9.8 points per game, with 18 assists and 16 steals. Against Oregon Tech on Nov. 21, she scored 12 points to lead the Keelhaulers.
Chico State enters this week with a perfect 4-0 record after defeating Western Oregon and Saint Martin's last week. They last played on Nov. 22 when they took down Saint Martin's 76-59. As a team, the Wildcats are averaging 65.2 points per game, and are shooting 45.5 percent from the field. Their opponents are averaging 49.5 points per game and shooting 34.8 percent from the floor.
Sophomore guard Whitney Branham leads the team with 11.3 points per game. She averages 24.8 minutes per contest where she has connected on 43.3 percent of her shots, including a 7-for-17 mark from 3-point range.
Last season, the Gators and Wildcats split the season series, with both teams taking the home contest. The Gators defeated the Wildcats 61-53 in a spirited game on senior night. This Friday's contest will be the second annual Purple Out, fans are encouraged to get to the game early as the first 500 SF State students with ID will get a tee-shirt courtesy of the SF State Athletics Department. The game will be televised on Comcast Hometown Network, channel 104.
Stanislaus State is 3-2 entering their contest tonight against Fresno Pacific. The Warriors are 2-1 away from home this year and have won two-straight, taking down Notre Dame de Namur and Holy Names last week. As a team, the Warriors are averaging 70.2 points per game and are shooting 42.8 percent. Their opponents are averaging 74.8 points per game and shooting 38.3 percent from the field.
Junior forward Cassidy Sanders-Curry leads the team, averaging 11.0 points per game. She is shooting 38.9 percent from the field and has connected on 85.2 percent of her free throw attempts. She also leads the team, averaging 6.4 rebounds per contest.
For all three contests live stats and video will be available and can be accessed on the women's basketball schedule page. For in game updates be sure to follow the Gators on twitter
@SFState_Gators.
Link to Comcast Hometown Network Coverage of Friday's GamesLink to Live State and Video of Both Games this Friday and Saturday--
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.