SAN FRANCISCO – The SF State women's basketball team out played visiting Stanislaus State for three quarters of the game on Saturday night, unfortunately, in the one quarter the Warriors out played the Gators proved to be the difference, as they outscored SF State 30-7 in the period and held on to win 61-54.

SF State (3-4/1-1 CCAA) played well for most of the contest, shooting 40.0 percent from the floor, going 18-for-45, they even shot well from beyond the arc, connecting on 6-of-16.  The difference was the second quarter.  Following the end of the first, the Gators held a six point lead, up 15-9.

During that stretch, the Gators were breaking the Warriors (6-2/2-0 CCAA) zone press with ease.  Laura Lawson was particularly effective, scoring eight of her team-high 15 in the opening period.

In the second quarter that changed.  The Warriors switched up to a full court man press that rattled the Gators.  SF State was held to just one field goal in the second quarter and was limited to seven points mostly coming on free throws. 
Meanwhile, Stanislaus State's Alysa Valentine got hot, connecting on four 3-point baskets.  Valentine shot 8-for-9 from beyond the arc on the evening for a game-high 26 points.

Midway through the third quarter the Warriors extended their lead to the largest point of the evening, going up 19, 44-25 with 7:08 left in the quarter.  From there the Gators offense and defense came to life.  SF State held the Warriors to 25 percent shooting the rest of the half, and outscored Stanislaus State 32-22.

With 5:01 left in the game Tiana Henry hit the back end of two free throws and cut the Warriors lead to three points, that was the closest SF State would get.  The Gators kept the game close, and cut the deficit to five, 59-54 following a deep three from Felicia Villarruel, however, the Gators were unable to score the remainder of the game. 

The difference in the game proved to be Stanislaus State's ability to take advantage of Gator turnovers.  SF State committed 21 turnovers and the Warriors turned that into 28 points.  SF State meanwhile, could only convert 11 points off 17 Warrior turnovers.

Individually, the Gators turned out some spectacular performances.  Kiara Ginwright finished the evening with six blocks and five rebounds.  Tatsiana Dashkevich got hot in the second half and finished with 15 points, she was brilliant from the free throw line, connecting on 7-of-8 attempts.

The Gators return to action on Thursday morning when they travel to Reno, Nev., to take on UNR at the Lawlor Events Center. 

Complete Box Score (HTML)

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.