Nov. 21, 2003
SAN DIEGO - The San Diego State women's basketball team (0-1) let a 12-point first half lead slip away, as the Aztecs fell 52-47 to Saint Mary's (1-0) Friday night in both teams' season-openers at Cox Arena.
Aztec freshman Michelle Elliott (Pasco, Wash.) playing in her first collegiate game, scored a team-high 12 points. Sophomore Ashlee Dunlap (Los Angeles, Calif.) had 10 points for her seventh straight game in double-figure scoring, dating back to February of last season. Lone senior Nicolette McCartny (Chicago, Ill.) added eight points, six rebounds and two blocks.
After St. Mary's scored the first basket of the game, SDSU went on a 9-0 run on a three-pointer by Elliott and three straight baskets by Dunlap. The Aztecs would lead by as many as 12 points at 25-13 with 4:21 remaining in the first half and went into the locker room up seven at 27-20.
The Gaels came out of the break with an offensive burst, tying the score at 32-32 and taking the lead on the next basket by Evynn Van Burger. St. Mary's built a seven-point advantage at 42-35, but the Aztecs battled back to knot the game at 45-45 with a 6-0 run with 5:20 remaining. SDSU would score just two more points in the final minutes and were unable to overcome an 18.2 percent shooting performance in the second half, falling 52-47.
San Diego native Triola Jackson led the Gaels' attack, scoring 15 points with a 5-for-7 effort from the floor. Monica Mertle was the only other Saint Mary's player in double-figures, finishing with 11 points.
The 47 points matched the Aztecs' scoring output in the two schools' meeting last season, which was also won by the Gaels, 60-47, in Moraga, Calif.
SDSU have two days off before playing host to another non-conference game Monday night at Cox Arena against Nevada. The game is set for a 7 p.m. tip-off.