LACEY, Wash. – After being neck and neck the majority of the game, the Seawolves came out on top to secure a 73-63 victory over the Saints on Saturday in Marcus Pavilion.

Claire Dingus scored 27 of the Saints' 63 points, marking a career-high and nearly a double-double. Thames followed Dingus in scoring with a near double-double, scoring 17 points and nine boards.  

The Seawolves jumped out to an early lead over the Saints, scoring eight points to the Saints' three. SMU answered by going on a 6-1 run to tie it up at 9-9. Strong defense on both ends continued, and Dingus scored her seventh point to put the Saints within two, 13-11, to end the period.

Dingus opened up the second quarter with a three-pointer to put the Saints in their first and only lead of the game at 14-13. This did not last long as the Seawolves followed with a three of their own to kick start a six point run. Mallory Vivola put the Saints back within one with an and-one shot; however, Alaska Anchorage extended their lead to 37-29 by halftime.  

Coming out of the break, the Saints managed a 10-2 run to bring the score to 41-39 with the Seawolves still in the lead. Baskets continued to flow from both teams, but UAA held their lead throughout the quarter to make the score 58-49 heading into the fourth quarter.

In the final 10 minutes, Dingus and Thames were the only Saints to score to combine for 14 points. UAA led as many as 12 in the period, until Dingus cut the score to six with two minutes left in the game. On Alaska Anchorage's possession, the Saints intentionally fouled in a comeback attempt. However, the Seawolves iced the game to seal the win 73-63.

On top of Dingus's 27 points, she added nine boards and two steals to end her career night. Mallory Vivola finished with 10 points, while Tierney DeDonatis led with eight assists.

The Saints shot 17-for-41 (41.5 percent) from the field, 5-for-13 (38.5 percent) beyond the arc, and 24-for-30 (80 percent) at the free throw line. Saint Martin's grabbed 26 rebounds, with 15 assists on 18 turnovers, and seven steals.

The Saints hit the road to Bellingham, Washington next week to compete against Western Washington Thursday, January 9 at 7:00 p.m. Live stats and video will be available at smusaints.com.