2-3
North Dakota State
1-4
Gilbert Matches Career High in Cal Poly 73-46 Win Over North Dakota State
11/25/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — Cal Poly senior forward Hannah Gilbert equaled her career high on Friday in Mott Athletics Center, scoring 29 points to lead the Mustang women's basketball team to a 73-46 win over North Dakota State to open the 10th annual ShareSLO Holiday Beach Classic.
Gilbert went 14-of-16 from the floor while tying her 29-point effort at Sacramento State on Nov. 13. She also had seven rebounds and a season-high three blocks.
After coming into the weekend No. 29 in the country in made field goals, Gilbert is now shooting 58.1 percent for the season.
Meanwhile, Mustang junior guard Dynn Leaupepe was next with 10 points along with a career-best seven assists, while her twin sister Lynn Leaupepe added nine points, seven rebounds plus four steals.
Cal Poly senior forward Amanda Lovely also had eight points, as the Mustangs established a 40-18 advantage in points in the paint for the afternoon, and junior guard Gabby Grupalo scored seven.
Defensively, Cal Poly held the Bison to 17-of-67 shooting (25.4 percent) and forced 25 turnovers (leading to a 30-7 margin in points off turnovers).
The first NDSU basket, a 3-pointer by Rylee Nudell, put the Bison up 3-2, but Cal Poly answered on the next possession with a jumper from Dynn Leaupepe and never relinquished the lead the rest of the way.
The victory also saw freshman Jonni Smith record her first collegiate points, converting a layup to make it 16-7 late in the first quarter.
Cal Poly (2-3) led 16-9 after the opening period and 32-20 at halftime, ultimately taking its largest lead of the game at 73-44 with 1:21 remaining.
Taylor Thunstedt led NDSU (1-4) with 13 points.
The Mustangs will return to host Utah Valley and conclude the tournament at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, after Central Michigan tips off vs. NDSU at 11 a.m. Admission is free to both games.
In Friday's second matchup, Central Michigan topped Utah Valley 71-62.
Photo © 2016-2017 David E. Holmes • (For more, click here.)
