SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Santa Clara women's basketball scored the most points in a season opener in program history in a 109-51 victory over UC Santa Cruz Tuesday afternoon in Leavey Center.
The Broncos (1-0) did it on both ends of the floor, shooting 60.3-percent from the field and 42.9-percent from beyond the arc while holding the Banana Slugs (0-0) to marks of 25.0-percent and 18.5-percent. They also turned it over just six times.
The biggest difference in the game was in the paint, where Santa Clara held a 64-14 advantage in points in the paint. The Broncos also collected 34 assists on 44 made field goals.
"Not turning the ball over at least gives you a chance to score," Santa Clara head coach Bill Carr said. "I thought we did a nice job of looking at the rim and getting the ball in the paint. At the rim, I thought we did a decent job of finishing, something we can continue to improve on."
The assist total was the most in a game in program history with the field goals tying for the second most (vs. Eastern Washington 11/29/97).
"I thought at times our execution was pretty good," Carr said. "Our ability to find the open person was outstanding tonight and the right person, the open person, got the ball the majority of the time. That's how you can shoot a good percentage."
Six different Santa Clara players reached double-figures, led by 19 from Lindsey VanAllen. Newcomer Merle Wiehl added 18 with Erica Meyer scoring a career-high 15. Addi Walter (14), Lauren Yearwood (13), and Tamia Braggs (11) also reached the mark.
"It was good to see everyone make a contribution tonight," Carr said. "They've been working hard in practice. Everybody got in there and helped us in this victory."
Santa Clara took off two and a half minutes into the game, rattling off a 31-5 run that went into the second quarter. The offense spread the wealth around with Walters' nine points leading the way.
Ashley Kowack led the way for UC Santa Cruz with 11 points but was just 3-for-12 from the field. Ten other Banana Slugs scored.
"Give credit to Santa Cruz," Carr said. "I love their team. They play hard. Their coach does a really good job and I wish them the best."
HIGHLIGHTS
HIGHLIGHTS | 10 different Broncos scored in last night's season-opening victory!#StampedeTogether #SCUBroncos pic.twitter.com/jkxBoWnPVw
— Santa Clara Women's Basketball (@Santaclarawbb) November 6, 2019
NOTES
- Santa Clara is now 4-0 all-time against UC Santa Cruz.
- Merle Wiehl, Ashlee Maldonado, Addi Walters, and Lana Hollingsworth all made their Santa Clara debuts.
UP NEXT
The Broncos head on the road for the first time and play at Arizona Friday at 5:30 p.m. Pacific.
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