THE RUNDOWN
SANTA CLARA, Calif. – The University of San Francisco women's basketball team took down Bay Area Rival Santa Clara, 58-54, in a close contest on Thursday evening at the Leavey Center.
Michaela Rakova spearheaded the win for the Dons (9-9, 4-3) over the Broncos (5-12, 1-6) who are now on an 0-3 skid.
The Dons gave themselves a good cushion in the first quarter, going on a 16-5 run to open up the contest. Shooting 44.4 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range, USF was able to have a 18-11 lead headed into the second frame.
Hitting a few quick buckets, Santa Clara was able to close the gap to two points with a little over six minutes remaining in the first half.
Michaela Rakova went to work for the Dons to keep the Broncos at bay, putting in 17 first half points on 87.5 percent shooting.
Despite Rakova's hot shooting, the Bronco's entered the locker room ahead, 30-28, at the half. They shot 70.0 percent from the field and 75.0 percent from three-point range, hitting three from downtown, to outscore the Dons 19-10 and take back a lead.
The two Bay Area teams traded buckets to open up the third frame, but Santa Clara managed to keep their advantage.
The Dons opened up the fourth quarter with a three pointer from
Shannon Powell, followed by a steal from Simon that lead to a lay up from Preciado. The quick five points tied up the contest, 42-42, with nine minutes to go.
Coach Goodenbour's squad turned it on in the final frame, outscoring the Broncos 14-5 to go ahead 51-47 with four minutes remaining. The home team would not give up though, staying within reach. A triple from Santa Clara cut the lead back down to three with two minutes left. The Dons responded with a three-point play from Lundqvist, opening the gap back up to six points. They would go on to held them off on a 21-12 scoring advantage in the quarter.
ICYMI:
WHAT'S GOODenbour
"I was really pleased with our persistence. We got down, but we kept fighting and were able to create some turnovers with our press in the fourth quarter. That really helped change the dynamic of the game. I thought we shared the ball well. Mishka was really good offensively. It's great to get a win on the road."
GAME NOTES:
- Rakova led with 25 points, contributing 17 in the first half, more than half of the Dons total (28) at half. She shot 83.3 percent from the field (10-12).
- Rakova also added seven rebounds, tying Moa Lundqvist.
- Rakova was perfect from the line, hitting 4-4.
- Kalyn Simon, a native of the East Bay area, added nine points and three steals.
- For the first time this season, the Dons were 100.0 percent from the line, going 5-5.
- USF, ranked 20th in the nation in defensive rebonding, out rebounded the Santa Clara 33-28 (21-19 defensive).
- The Dons shot 66.7 percent from the field and 50.0 percent from three-point range in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Broncos 21-12.
- Coach Goodenbour's team had 23 points off of turnovers to Santa Clara's 10.
WHAT'S NEXT
USF continues on the road as they work their way through a four-game road trip. Games remaining after the Bronco's include Pepperdine (Jan. 20) and Pacific (Jan. 25). The next home game will be against Gonzaga on Jan. 27. Tickets are available
here.
For updates on USF women's basketball, follow the Dons on Twitter: @usfdonswbb.
