Moraga, CA - The University of Portland women’s basketball team dropped a 75-57 decision to the Saint Mary’s Gaels on Sat., Feb. 15 at McKeon Pavilion. Portland falls to 10-14 overall, 4-7 in WCC Play. Saint Mary’s improves to 10-13 on the season and 3-7 in the WCC.

Saint Mary’s built a 13 point halftime lead as Evynn Van Burger racked up 10 points in 17 minutes of play before the break. The Gaels went on a 16-4 run with just under 15 minutes to go in the first half. The Pilots closed the lead to five, but the Gaels went into the break leading 32-21.

Portland tried for a comeback in the second half, but Saint Mary’s wouldn’t give up and blew the game wide open for a 75-57 win. On the night, Portland racked up 14 points off SMC turnovers and 17 points from its bench, but the Gaels managed to score 40 point in the paint and out-rebounded the Pilots, 51-27.

The Pilots shot 35 percent (20-57) from the floor, 32 percent (6-19) from beyond the arc and 85 percent (11-13) from the free-throw line. Saint Mary’s went 47 percent (31-66) from the field, 33 percent (6-18) from three-point range and 50 percent (7-14) from the charity stripe.

Khalila O’Rielly-Williams finished the night with 17 points, four rebounds, two seals and one assist. O’Rielly-Williams shot 5-of-9 from the field, 0-of-1 from behind the arc and 7-of-8 from the free-throw line. Teammate Jamie Medley tied a career-best 14 points and six rebounds. Amy Botto added seven points in the game.

Four players scored in double figures for the Gaels. Van Burger ended the game with 17 points, while Julie Morris (13 points, 10 rebounds) and Triola Jackson (13 points, 13 rebounds) each had a double-double.

UP NEXT: Portland will host Gonzaga on Sat., Feb. 22 at 7:00 p.m. and San Diego on Thurs., Feb. 27 at 7:00 p.m. The Pilots will host the Santa Clara Broncos at 7:00 p.m. on Sat., Mar. 1 in Portland, OR. From Thurs.-Sat., Mar. 6-9, Portland will compete for the WCC Tournament crown in San Diego, CA.