LACEY, Wash. — The Saint Martin's Women's Basketball notched a top-25 victory at Marcus Pavilion on Thursday, December 4, defeating No. 16 Alaska Anchorage 69-60.

After a closely-contested first half, the Saints erupted in the third quarter to take a commanding lead that held through a dramatic fourth quarter. The win improved SMU's record to 5-3 overall and 1-0  in GNAC play.

How It Happened

First Quarter

• After a scoreless two minutes by both teams to start the game, the Saints embarked on an 8-0 run that was capped off by a three-pointer by Kiana Rios. SMU held a 10-2 lead at the first media timeout.
• The Seawolves bounced back with a 9-0 run of their own, taking an 11-10 lead over the Saints into the first-quarter intermission.

Second Quarter

• The Saints trailed 16-12 early in the second, but a pair of three-pointers from Laiken Hill and Karyss Lacanlale helped knot the game at 18-18 with 5:26 remaining in the first half.
• The following 3:22 of gametime was scoreless, before the Saints scored four straight to take a 22-18 lead. The Seawolves scored a layup in the final minute, before Jada Travis responded with a basket in the paint on the ensuing possession, pushing SMU's lead to 24-20 at halftime. Laiken Hill led the Saints with eight points in the first half.

Third Quarter

• The Saints opened the first minute of the second half with two made field goals to push the lead to 28-20 at the 9:02 mark. 
• Both teams scored in bulk out of the break, as SMU's lead moved to 37-28 through four minutes played, pushing the lead to seven points off an and-one from Kiana Rios.
• An emphatic three-pointer by Laiken Hill pushed the lead to 40-28 with 5:15 left in the quarter, prompting Alaska Anchorage to take a timeout.
• After SMU's lead moved to 42-32 with 3:32 remaining, the Saints embarked on a huge 10-0 run that saw SMU pull ahead 52-32. The Saints held a 52-33 lead heading into the fourth quarter. Saint Martin's shot 66.7% from the field in the third quarter.

Fourth Quarter

• The Seawolves opened the fourth quarter with a three-pointer and free-throw, cutting SMU's lead to 52-37 with 9:32 left in regulation.
• At the 5:24 mark, a jumper by Alaska Anchorage trimmed SMU's lead to 59-48.
• The ensuing 1:02 was scoreless, before a three by the Seawolves trimmed the lead to single digits (59-51) with 4:02 remaining in the game.
• The Seawolves got within 61-57 with a pair of free-throws at the 1:29 mark.
• Kiana Rios converted two free-throws at the 26.6 mark, pushing Saint Martin's ahead 65-59.
• The Saints converted free-throws down the stretch, clinching a 69-60 win over the Seawolves.

Top Performers

• Kiana Rios led the Saints with 26 points, converting 11 free-throws. She also added seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
• Laiken Hill totaled 17 points off 6-11 shooting, adding four rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
• Avery Oaster scored 10 points and led the Saints with nine rebounds.

Team Stat of the Game

• The Saints shot 12-18 (66.7%) from the field in a massive third quarter that saw SMU take control of the game.

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