LACEY, Wash. – Seattle Pacific University jumped out to an early lead, that never faltered, as the Falcons defeated the Saints 72-51 inside the Marcus Pavilion.

Seattle Pacific (16-5, 8-5 GNAC) rushed out to a 9-2 lead on a layup from Jordan McPhee, who ended with a game leading 15 points. Saint Martin's University (5-16, 1-12) battled back to cut the lead to one after a 3-pointer from Hannah Reynolds.

The Falcons used an 11-2 run to take a 21-12 lead with 3:07 left in the first quarter and established control for the remainder of the first half.

A steal and fast break layup from Rebekah Baugh and a Makenna Schultz jumper highlighted an 8-0 run that cut the Falcons led to 13 to begin the second half. Saint Martin's defense gave them chance to get back into game, only allowing nine points all third quarter. However, the Saints comeback attempt fell short and ultimately fell 72-51.

Two Saints scored in double-figures with a 12 point effort from Mercedes Victor and 11 from Schultz. Shelbie Drey led the way for the Saints on the boards with seven rebounds.

Saint Martin's shot 19-of-55 (.345) from the field and 2-of-20 (.100) beyond the ark. The Falcons shot lights-out, going 28-of-54 (.519) and 7-of-14 (.500) from deep. Seattle Pacific won the rebounding battle, edging the Saints 37-27.

Saint Martin's returns to action on Thursday, traveling to Montana State University-Billings for a rematch. The Saints won the previous match-up 64-57 on Jan. 7.