LACEY, Wash. – The Saints led for one possession, 22-21 in the second quarter, with Western Oregon controlling most of the game down in the paint, on both the offensive and defensive end. For the third straight game, SMU's offense was unable to get their primary scorers going, resulting in a stagnate offense, and a 66-56 loss.
The scoring combo of
Saniah Simpson-Patu and
Makenna Schultz came into the game averaging over 37 points per game; however, were limited to only 16 points on 6-for-27 shooting.
Rebekah Baugh tried to spark the offense with her five 3-pointers, resulting in her team-leading 15 points.
Claire Dingus posted her second double-double in as many games at home, ending with 11 points, and 10 rebounds.
Western Oregon began the game on a 10-2 run, with the Saints' only basket for the first seven minutes, coming from Simpson-Patu on a layup.
Makenzie Kaech scored her first points of her career, followed by Schultz and Dingus' baskets pulled the Saints to within one possession.
In the second quarter, both sides traded baskets until the Saints claimed their only lead of the game at 22-21 on Baugh's 3-pointer. The Wolves managed to close out the second quarter on an 8-3 to pull ahead 29-25 at the break.
SMU cut the lead down to one possession again in the third quarter, before Western Oregon began to pull away. Their lead swelled to as many as 10, and the Saints faced an eight-point deficit heading into the final quarter.
Despite multiple fourth quarter 3-pointers by Baugh, and baskets down low by
Megan Nilsson, the Saints were never able to pull any closer than seven points. Western Oregon closed out the victory at the free throw, where they finished 20-for-24, and a 66-56 road win.
The Saints as a team shot 19-for-61 (31.1 percent) from the field, 8-for-21 (38.1 percent) beyond the arc, and 10-for-15 (66.7 percent) at the line. SMU scored 18 points in the paint, 19 off turnovers, and 19 off their bench. The Saints grabbed 28 rebounds, dished out 12 assists on 16 turnovers, and had 11 steals.
Saint Martin's turns around quick to host Concordia on Saturday at 5:15 p.m. Live stats and video of the game will be available on smusaints.com.
