“We had a good defensive game plan and we did a much better job rebounding [tonight], but we had a hard time getting the ball in the basket,” said head coach Joan Bonvicini. “Off the bench, Crystal Allen gave us really good energy and was the most aggressive player we had. It’s a process; I’m proud of our players for having an opportunity to win the game against a very good team. I think it’s a matter of being able to score and finish games.”
The Toreros would jump out to a 12 point lead in the first seven minutes, five points of which came from Malina Hood. The Redhawks would answer with an 8-0 run of their own to trail by just three, 15-12, by 8:58 with Taelor Ross (Vancouver, Wash.) and Kristin Stoffel (Mill Creek, Wash.) contributing eight of 12 points.
Katherine Hamilton drove in back-to-back layups to put San Diego ahead by seven by 6:54 and the Toreros would lead by seven for six of the last seven minutes of the half. Montgomery closed the margin to five, 25-20, with 3:17 remaining until halftime.
Cori Woodward put USD ahead by double digits on a layup just over a minute into the second half and they would keep an advantage over eight until Makenna Clark brought the Redhawks within six, 40-34, by the 11 minute mark.
Trailing by double digits until just under the five minute mark, a Kaylee Best (Seattle, Wash.) three would spark the Redhawk comeback with just over three minutes left as they trailed, 55-45. Wilma Afunugo (Plano, Texas) made the extra shot for a three point play to cut their deficit to four, 55-51, at the 2:10 mark.
Crystal Allen (Fort Worth, Texas) brought the Redhawks within four once again, 58-54, with just under two minutes remaining in the contest but it would be as close as the Redhawks would come.
Allen was one of two Redhawks to score in double figures with 11 points, good for a career high, shooting a career-high 5-for-5 from the line. Afunugo made a career-high nine free throws, shooting 9-for-11.
The teams even in rebounds, 41 apiece, SU led in steals, 12-4. San Diego led in blocks, 11-3, and assists, 12-9.
Seattle U will close the weekend hosting San Francisco (6-2) on Sunday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. at the Connolly Center. Stay tuned to GoSeattleU.com as well as @su_athletics and @su_wbb on Twitter for any updates leading up to the game.