MORAGA, Calif. – The Saint Mary’s College of California women’s basketball team delivered a commanding performance in their final exhibition game before the season, defeating the UC Santa Cruz Banana Slugs 87-40 on October 30, 2026. The Gaels displayed strong shooting and suffocating defense, setting an early tone for the 2026-27 campaign.
Four Gaels reached double figures in scoring, led by Charlece Ohiaeri and NaTallia Urlacher, who each scored 15 points. Urlacher also made a defensive impact with eight steals in 19 minutes coming off the bench, while Ohiaeri led the team in rebounds with eight. Southeastern Louisiana transfer Lihi Azouri added 14 points on 55% shooting, including two second-half three-pointers, and Lucy Aherne contributed 11 points with three made three-pointers.
The Gaels shot over 50% from the field and 43% from beyond the arc, forcing 30 turnovers and registering 21 steals. Saint Mary’s dominated on points off turnovers, with a 34-6 advantage, as well as in the paint (+20), second-chance points (+10), and bench scoring (+19). Freshman point guard Nina Klep provided five assists and committed just one turnover in 11 minutes, while fellow freshman forward Agata Wlaz added six points.
Saint Mary’s took control early with a flurry of three-pointers and led by 19 points at the end of the first quarter. They maintained their advantage throughout, cruising to a decisive 47-point victory in this final tune-up before conference play.
The Gaels will open the regular season on the road against Stanford University on November 4, marking their first game at Maples Pavilion since 1999 and their first chance to defeat the Cardinal since 2000.
CSB Take
Saint Mary’s dominant exhibition victory highlighted the team’s balanced offense and disruptive defense, led by key performances from Ohiaeri and Urlacher. Forcing turnovers and converting them into easy points will be crucial as the Gaels embark on their West Coast Conference schedule. This strong showing should build confidence as Saint Mary’s prepares to face a challenging Stanford team to open the season.
Source: Original report
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