WATCH | Highlights, Postgame Interviews with JR Payne, Taylor Berry
SANTA CLARA, Calif. – In a game with huge implications in the West Coast Conference standings, Santa Clara women's basketball beat Gonzaga 71-64 on Thursday evening in Leavey.
It was the first win for Santa Clara over Gonzaga since a 74-52 victory in Leavey on Feb. 2, 2006.
With a 71-54 lead, thanks to a 15-5 run to start the fourth quarter, and just 45 seconds on the clock, the game seemed to be in hand for Santa Clara (16-5, 7-3 WCC) but Gonzaga (14-8, 6-4 WCC) had one last run in them.
The Bulldogs scored 10 straight points over just 23 seconds to cut the deficit to 71-64. The Broncos turned the ball over four times during that stretch and Jill Barta and Laura Stockon each drilled 3-pointers for the Zags.
An offensive foul by Santa Clara gave Gonzaga the ball and a sliver of hope, but Morgan McGwire blocked Barta's 3-point attempt. A rebound by Lori Parkinson allowed the Broncos to run out the clock.
"Our overall mindset in this game was much better than the first time we played these guys, especially in the second half," said Santa Clara head coach JR Payne. "We came out aggressively in the first half and then got a little bit hesitant. At halftime we talked about being aggressive and then in the second half we really showed it."
Santa Clara dominated on the glass, holding a 39-27 edge in rebounds.
"I thought we did a great job rebounding and that was one of the biggest things in the game," said Payne. "They are one of the premier rebounding teams in the conference. For us to dominate on the glass like that is a really good sign."
Taylor Berry led the way for the Bronco offense and scored a career-high 18 points on 6 of 12 shooting from the floor. She added four rebounds and four assists.
"Taylor was great for us tonight," said Payne. "She came out in the first quarter and was aggressive right from the start. She scored some big buckets and played really well."
Savanna Hanson added 14 points and hit three 3-pointers while McGwire scored 13 and had a team-high seven boards.
"Savanna is one of our best shooters and Morgan was huge for us tonight," said Payne. "Savanna penetrated some and hit some big 3-pointers and Morgan grabbed some big rebounds, none bigger than an offensive board in the second half."
Barta led all scorers with 28 on 9 of 18 shooting. Stockton scored 14 for Gonzaga and Zhane Templeton added 10.
"Barta is one of the best players in the conference," said Payne. "A lot of her shots were contested jumpers but she's a nightmare to guard. You know she is going to get her points. "
The Broncos came out with a purpose on defense in the first quarter and collected six steals in the period while holding the Bulldogs to just 20.0 percent shooting.
"We were trying to come out aggressive and play face-paced," said Payne. "We did a much better job attacking the press today then we did in Spokane."
Santa Clara returns to action Saturday at 2 p.m. vs. Portland to wrap up a three-game homestand.
