Nov 29, 2003
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) - Kara Braxton had 21 points and 12 rebounds to help No. 10 Georgia turn back an upset bid in a 77-65 victory Friday night over Santa Clara.
Christi Thomas added 18 points as the Lady Bulldogs (3-0) won their second straight road game. Jessica Pierce added 12 points.
Michelle Cozad scored 15 of her 22 points in the first half as the Broncos (1-2) lost their second straight at home. Whitney Sutak had 13 points and Jennie Rondel added 10.
Sutak sparked a 13-2 run that gave Santa Clara a 58-56 lead with 6:54 remaining to play. The senior guard scored seven points during the run, including a key 3-pointer.
Four lead changes later, Thomas put the Lady Bulldogs ahead for good with a short jumper with 4:15 remaining to play.
The game remained in doubt into the final minute of play. Sherrill Baker, who finished with 11 points, made a key steal and basket to help secure the victory.
Toni Markey's baseline jumper brought the Broncos to 40-35 two minutes into the second half.
Santa Clara, without two of its regulars and using its third different starting lineup in as many games, managed to remain within striking distance as the Lady Bulldogs went cold from the field. After making 13 of its first 24 shots, Georgia made eight of its next 24.
Braxton's inside jumper gave Georgia its biggest lead of the first half at 30-13, and highlighted a 14-3 Lady Bulldogs run.
Santa Clara responded with its own run, closing to 32-24 with 3:39 left in the half on a short jumper from Markey.
Georgia went on a late run to open a 37-28 lead at halftime.