Nov. 30, 2002
COLLEGE STATION, Texas - Santa Clara had four players score in double figures to lead the Broncos to an 89-47 first-round victory over the University of Arkansas-Little Rock, at the Whataburger Aggie Classic at Reed Arena Saturday afternoon.
The Trojans (0-3) did not have an answer to the red-hot Bronco shooting, as Santa Clara shot 50.7 percent (34-of-67) from the field and 52.6 percent (10-of-19) from behind the three-point arc for the game. UALR shot only 28.3 percent for the game and was out rebounded 49 to 32.
Santa Clara, who improved to 2-1 on the season, took an early 10-2 lead over the first three and a half minutes of the game. UALR then held the Broncos scoreless over the next three and a half minutes to cut the lead to 10-9 with 12 minutes left. Santa Clara took over from that point, closing the first half on a 31-12 run to make the halftime score 41-21. Santa Clara shot 63.6 percent (7-of-11) from behind the three-point line 50 percent (16-of-32) from the field in the first half.
The Broncos delivered the knockout punch early in the second half, ending any hope of a Trojan rally with a 12-2 run over the first four minutes of the half.
Sophomore Quinn Thomas led Santa Clara with 14 points. Also in double figures were senior Julie Butler with 13 and Tammy Annas and Kayla Huss, each with 11 points. Butler added nine rebounds to lead the Broncos defensively.
Charise Billingsley led the Trojans with 10 points, while Katrina Crawford came off the bench to add eight points and five rebounds.
Santa Clara will face host Texas A&M, in the championship game Sunday at 1 p.m. UALR will play Indiana-Purdue Fort Wayne in the consolation contest.
