LACEY, Wash. – Saint Martin's grinded out a 63-58 win against Seattle Pacific, extending their winning streak while continuing their push at making the GNAC championships.

The momentum switched multiple times throughout the game, but ultimately it was Saint Martin's (13-11, 8-9 GNAC) that came back from a third quarter deficit to take the game against Seattle Pacific (6-19, 6-11). The Saints were led by freshman Janealle Sutterlict and her 16 points, who combined with Bria Thames for nearly half of the Saints' points. With the win, the Saints stay in the middle of the hunt for the final spot in the GNAC championships, and set up a heavyweight bout with Montana State Billings on Thursday night.

Points were easy to come by for the Saints to start out the first quarter, while allowing SPU to just one basket in the first five minutes. During that time, SMU scored 12 points, with baskets coming from three different Saints. However, Seattle Pacific did not let up, and proceeded to outscore the Saints 11-3, until Tierney DeDonatis ended the quarter with a basket to keep the lead 17-14.

The Falcons tied the game for the first time in the first minute of the second quarter; however, Thames responded with back-to-back baskets to regain the lead 21-17. Over the next two minutes, the score tied back up two different times with SMU quickly scoring immediately after. It wasn't until a Seattle Pacific buzzer beater shot put the score at 30-29 and took the advantage for the first time of the game.

The two teams went basket-for-basket to start off the second half, but Saint Martin's could not come within more than a one-point deficit. At the one-minute mark, senior Sara Bowen scored a three that put the Saints up 44-43 and ended up holding for the rest of the period.

Bowen drowned another 3-pointer to open up the final 10 minutes of action. After a Falcon layup, the Saints went on an 8-2 run behind the efforts of four different Saints, and stretched their lead to seven.

With two minutes left to play, back-to-back SPU baskets put them within two, 57-55, followed by a Sutterlict basket in the paint. On the next possession, SPU scored a three to put them within one, giving them the chance at taking the game. However, Saint Martin's held onto their fourth quarter lead to take the home court victory 63-58.

As a team, Saint Martin's shot 24-for-61 (39.3 percent) from the floor, 5-for-20 from beyond the arc, and 10-for-11 (90.0 percent) at the line. The Saints outrebounded the Wolves 34-to-32, while collecting nine eight on 12 turnovers, 10 steals, and two blocks.

Sutterlict ended the night with 16 points and five rebounds while Thames finished with 12 points and six boards. Jayla Russ and DeDonatis both recorded nine points while Bowen and Emily Nelson both came off the bench for a combined 12 points.

Saint Martin's continues their attempt to claim the final playoff seed for the GNAC championships after this win. SMU will have a crucial matchup against Montana State Billings Thursday, February 20 with tip-off scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Live stats and video will be available at smusaints.com.