SAN FRANCISCO – The SF State women's basketball team tallied a season-high in points while playing stingy defense to rout visiting Cal Maritime 73-42, Monday night at the Swamp. The Gators had three players in double figures and hit a season-high nine three point baskets to break the Keelhaulers zone defense.
San Francisco (2-3) looks sharp heading into conference action. After starting just 1-for-8 from the floor, the Gators offense came to life in the late first and early second quarter. SF State connected on 40 percent of their baskets in the first half, going 14-for-35 which helped propel SF State to a commanding 16 point lead at the break.
Helping get the Gators to their offense going was guard
Felicia Villarruel who scored 16 of her game-high 21 points before the break. Villarruel shot 6-for-15 from the floor and was 5-for-13 from 3-point range. She got the Gators offense in gear during their cold stretch in the first quarter, connecting on three first quarter buckets, two came during the Gators 11-3 stretch that closed out the opening period.
Defensively, the Gators were relentless. SF State outrebounded Cal Maritime (0-9) 47-30. The lack of second change opportunities and strong on-ball defense held the Keelhaulers scoreless for the final six minutes of the opening quarter and held them to just 31.0 percent shooting on the night.
A big reason for the Gators advantage on the glass was the strong interior play from SF State's forwards.
Laura Lawson recorded her third-straight double-double. She finished with a game-high 14 rebounds and 11 points.
Kiara Ginwright had a solid game, she finished with a career-best 12 points, while grabbing eight rebounds and recording three blocked shots. Freshman center
Kayla Watterson had career-bests with eight points and 11 rebounds in her most extensive action of the season.
Out of the break the Gators depth proved to be too much for CMA. The Gators had 12 players see action on the evening, with 10 players recording at least one point.
SF State returns to action on Friday, Dec. 4 at 5:35 p.m. when the Gators host Chico State in their CCAA opener. The game will be the Gators second annual Purple Out and is going to be televised by Comcast Hometown Network.
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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.
