SANTA CLARA, Calif. – The Tigers started a two-game series against Santa Clara in which they outscored the Broncos in the second half but ultimately fell by a final of 75-64. 

Liz Smith continued her hot streak, as she has scored double-digit points in five straight games and led the Tigers with 13 points against Santa Clara. Cassidy Johnson set a season-high in rebounds with five as Anaya James also grabbed five boards and dished out four assists. Elizabeth Elliott had 11 points and four rebounds as well for the Tigers. 

Josephine Millard led the Tigers in the first quarter, scoring four points as Santa Clara got out to an early eight-point lead. However, the second quarter was all Smith as she hit three straight threes for the Tigers. Diamond Richardson hit a layup later in the quarter to bring the Tigers within six before Santa Clara pulled away to take a 12-point lead heading into the half. 

Ennis took the third quarter for the Tigers, scoring four points while adding a rebound and an assist. Ennis was the only Tiger to play the entire quarter. Going on a 6-0 run to start the quarter, the Tigers pulled to within four with eight minutes in the quarter. The two teams continued to battle well into the fourth quarter, with Santa Clara not quite able to put the game away for good. The Tigers trailed by nine with just over a minute to go before the Broncos hit two free throws to go up 11, and the Tigers could not get another shot to fall. 

The Tigers will host Santa Clara on Monday, Jan 31 at 7:00 pm in a rescheduled game from earlier this year.