SAN MARCOS, Calif. - Despite a strong defensive effort, the San Francisco State women's basketball team fell to host Cal State San Marcos, 55-43, on Saturday afternoon.

By the Numbers

• The Gators (0-5/0-2 CCAA) held the Cougars  (5-0/2-0 CCAA) to a season-low 35 percent (22-63) from the field. The SF State defense also held the hosts to just five points in the second and fourth quarters.
• San Marcos utilized a 25-point first where they shot 53 percent (10-19) to build a formidable lead and never looked back.
• The 55 points allowed are the fewest conceded in 15 contests. 
• The 14 steals by SF State are a season high.
• Kelea Pickeral-Dennis notched her second-straight double-double and third of the year with a season-high 20 points and 11 rebounds in all 40 minutes of play.
• Ashley Hart had ten points and five rebounds. Jolene Armendariz hauled in eight rebounds.
• Samantha Erisman had a season-best five steals. Muirae Gomez added eight points.

First Quarter

Taimane Lesa-Hardee made two from the line after drawing the foul on a drive through the lane to put the Gators on the board. San Marcos was able to push their lead to 9-3 following an Akayla Hackson three-pointer with 5:41 left in the first. Their run went to eight-straight points before Hart added a layup. The Cougars, who are coming off of an upset win against No. 6 UC San Diego on Thursday, went up 20-5 following another 8-0 run. Gomez knocked down a jumper from the top of the key with 32 seconds left, but San Marcos answered with another three as they carried a 25-8 lead into the second.

Second Quarter

Pickeral-Dennis' drive and finish began the second, and Gomez added another jumper. San Marcos continued to  hold it down on defense as they pushed their lead to 17. SF State bounced back on their defensive end, holding the Cougars to 13 percent from the floor and just five points.

Third Quarter

Hart and Pickeral-Dennis added quick baskets to start the third and Hart made another to give her three buckets in four attempts as SF State only trailed by nine. San Marcos, who was held scoreless for over five minutes going back to the first half, went back up by double digits following a jumper to end the drought. Pickeral-Dennis and Hart continued their strong third quarter with two more layups, but the Cougars found their stroke on the offensive end to go up 42-27 midway through the frame. Jolene Armendariz added an offensive board and outback with just over a minute left, and Pickeral-Dennis fought through in the paint for another layup and ended the third with a free throw to make it 50-34.

Fourth Quarter

Pickeral-Dennis made her seventh basket of the day which was part of a 7-0 Gator run. Gomez made it a 12-point game on a jumper in the key. Both offense went stagnate until Pickeral-Dennis made a free throw. Gomez made a layup with a minute to go that cut it to 12 once again, the Cougars were able to hold on to remain perfect on the season. 

Up Next

SF State wraps up the road trip at Cal State Los Angeles next Thursday at 5: 30 p.m. Live results and a stream will be provided.