San Antonio – Natalie Gamez and Rachel Jones combined for 46 points and St. Mary’s University hit on 38 of 51 free throws to pull away in the second half as the Rattlers defeated Angelo State University, 73-59, in the women’s basketball season opener for both teams, Saturday at the McDermott Center.

Gamez (Sr., San Antonio) hit on just 4-of-15 shots from the field, but made 14-of-17 free throws to score 24 points, leading all scorers in the game. She added 10 rebounds to post her first double-double of the season. Jones (Sr., Little Rock, Ark.) hit on 6-of-13 shots from the field and 10-of-13 free throws to score 22 points.

The teams combined to make just 11 fields goals in a defensive first half that saw the Rattlers take a 27-25 lead into the locker room. The Rattlers came out in the second half and stepped up their play significantly, hitting on 52.4 percent (11-of-21) shots from the field and 23-of-34 from the free throw line to outscore the Rambelles by 12 points in the second period.

As a team the Rattlers hit on 16-of-51 shots from the field and 38-of-51 free throws. They were outrebounded by ASU, 51-47. ASU shot just 25.4 percent from the field (17-67) and 58.3 percent (21-36) from the free throw line. Ann Parks was the only Rambelle scoring in double figures with 18 points.

With the win, St. Mary’s is 1-0 and has won 25 straight regular season games dating back to last season. Angelo State fell to 0-1. The Rattlers will wrap up play at the Incarnate Word Classic, taking on Tarleton State University at 4 p.m. at the McDermott Center.

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