LACEY, Wash. — The Saint Martin's Women's Basketball team was victorious against Alaska Fairbanks by a score of 74-37 at Marcus Pavilion on Saturday, December 6.

The Saints played smothering defense all game long, led by a school-record eight steals from freshman guard Karyss Lacanlale. The Saints forced 31 turnovers and totaled 18 steals, with both totals the most in a game by a Saint Martin's Women's Basketball team since December 12, 2015.

The win improved SMU's record to 6-3 overall and 2-0 in GNAC play.

How It Happened

First Quarter

• Both teams struggled shooting in the first quarter, but the Saints pulled ahead to lead 18-8 after the first 10 minutes of play.
• The Saints converted eight free-throws in the first frame.
• After the game was tied at 7-7 with 4:15 on the clock, the Saints embarked on a 7-0 run that saw the home team take a 14-7 lead. SMU ended the first quarter leading 18-8.

Second Quarter

• After the Nanooks opened the quarter with a jumper, the Saints responded with an 8-2 run that included three-pointers from Kiana Rios and Laiken Hill, extending the SMU lead to 26-12 with 8:12 remaining in the first half.
• SMU's run extended, as Saint Martin's pulled ahead 34-12 with 4:42 left in the quarter.
• The Saints' run reached 13-0, leading 36-12 with just over two minutes remaining in the half. SMU built up a 43-15 lead at the halftime break.
• The Saints dominated the turnover battle in the first half, forcing 19 Fairbanks turnovers while only committing three turnovers. Karyss Lacanlale recorded eight steals in the first half, and the Saints totaled 21 points off turnovers.

Third Quarter

• The Saints opened the third quarter on a 10- run, holding a 56-15 lead halfway through the third quarter.
• The Saints shot 42.1% in the third quarter and nailed three three-pointers, building the lead to 65-24 heading into the fourth quarter.

Fourth Quarter

• The Saints maintained the lead in the fourth quarter and limited any last-minute Nanooks comeback attempts, holding on to win 74-37 to clinch a 2-0 start to GNAC play.

Top Performers

• Avery Oaster led the Saints with 21 points and totaled nine rebounds and two steals.
• Jaylah Brown (13), Laiken Hill (11), and Karyss Lacanlale (11) all finished in double-digit scoring.
• Lacanlale led the team's defensive efforts, tallying eight steals. The mark is a program record for single-game steals.

Team Stat of the Game

The Saints forced 30 turnovers off 18 steals., compiling a +21 turnover margin.

Up Next

The Saints head to California for a pair of non-conference matchups, facing Chico State at 7 p.m. on Dec. 12 and Cal Poly Humboldt at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 15.