Furious Rally Falls Just Short

Sunday, November 11

Pullman, WA

1:00 PM

Washington State University

Saint Mary's (California)

Saint Mary's (CA)

Washington State

November 11, 2018 | Women's Basketball

Box Score Box Score (PDF)

The Cougs rallied late but fell to Saint Mary's 70-64.

By: Athletic Communications

In Case You Missed It
PULLMAN, Wash. – A late fourth quarter rally came up just short Sunday afternoon in Beasley as Washington State women's basketball (0-2) dropped a 70-64 decision to Saint Mary's (2-0). Down by as much as 13 with just over six minutes to play, the Cougars would battle their way back into the game behind a 15-4 run that gave WSU a shot at the lead. However, the comeback was not to be as senior Alexys Swedlund's go-ahead three from the corner rimmed out with :31 seconds to play while a game-tying floater by junior Chanelle Molina with :13 seconds remaining fell to the same fate. For the duo, the missed shot proved to be particularly rough as they had sparked the initial rally with three quick three-pointers that got the Cougars back within striking distance. The first two of the run came from Swedlund who tied and then broke WSU's all-time three-point record with her 161st and 162nd career triples. The Gaels would finish off the game from the line hitting four of their final six freebies.
The Cougars were forced to rally late against the Gaels after Saint Mary's took control of the game in the third quarter with turning a four-point halftime lead into a 14-point advantage through commanding performance in the paint and on the board. During the 16-6 run, the Gaels posted 10 points in the paint against the Cougars, breaking up what had been a close game for the first 20 minutes of action. When not hitting on the interior, the Gaels got a friendly roll off the iron and glass from deep hitting two of their five three-pointers early in the third quarter.

Quote of the Night
Head Coach Kamie Ethridge - "I just feel a little more encouraged after tonight, or today, after this game, this effort by our team. Obviously Saint Mary's is a very disciplined team, well coached. They brought some problems for us. I just liked the way our team competed. I know we didn't get the win, but I thought the improvement that we had from Monday night to tonight was unbelievably a lot and good. If we continue to put the pieces together I think we can be a good team."

Moments of the Game

HIGHLIGHT | The dish and the finish as the shot clock expires. Cougs on a 15-4 run#GoCougs pic.twitter.com/4xBceqL7aT
— WSU Women's Hoops (@WSUWomensHoops) November 11, 2018

What. A. Move. Chanelle.#GoCougs pic.twitter.com/6NE6ImFbUA
— WSU Women's Hoops (@WSUWomensHoops) November 11, 2018

Things You Need To Know

The Cougs fell to 0-2 on the year and 3-7 all-time against the Gaels who won for the second-straight season against WSU.
Alexys Swedlund became the Cougars all-time career three-point leader with 162 made. She posted five in the game.
Swedlund led the way with a season-best 22 points, one shy of her career record of 23. She also posted a career-best six steals, leading the Cougars' defensive efforts which came up with 12 steals and four blocks.
Chanelle Molina shook off a tough opener to post 16 points while dishing out six assists. Borislava Hristova posted her second-straight double-digit scoring effort with 13 points to go with four rebounds and two assists. Senior Maria Kostourkova grabbed a career-best 14 rebounds, blocked three shots, and scored seven points before fouling out late.
The Gaels put four in double figures led by Emily Codding's 17. Megan McKay, Jasmine Focadilla, and Sam Simons each chipped in 11 points.
Saint Mary's finished the game shooting 50.0% (29-58) from the floor while the Cougars shot just 34.3% (24-70)
With :38 seconds remaining in the first quarter the Cougars' three Molina sisters, Chanelle, Celena, and Cherilyn appeared on the court together for the first time. The three sisters played 1:21 together on the floor. They are the only trio of active sisters in the Power-65.
WSU continues its homestand with Nebraska Friday, November 16 at 5:30 p.m.