Box Score LACEY, Wash. — Another slow second half start saw the Dominican University of California women's basketball team suffer its worst decision of the season, 80-45, to Northwest Nazarane University in the first game of the SMU Tournament hosted by St. Martin's University.

Senior Kimi Namaura bounced back with 14 points to lead the Lady Penguins (2-6) in scoring but Dominican, after trailing just 34-30 at halftime, couldn't overcome a 10-0 start by the Crusaders (6-2). The backend of a pair of free throws by Nikki Gleason with 13:53 in the second half finally stopped the bleeding. In the next minute though, Dominican was unsuccessful in three possessions while the Crusaders headed to the free throw line and extended the lead to 21. After a Nakamura layup, Dominican was never able to get the deficit smaller than 17.

The Lady Penguins made just four field goals in the second half and finished the game 16-of-55 (.291) while the Crusaders made 28-of-69 (.406) field goal attempts.

Forward Megan Hingston led all players with 19 points, including 9-of-10 makes at the free throw line, and 11 rebounds. Guard Chelsie Luke added 15 points for the Crusaders and Cierra White came off the bench to add 15 points.

Yvonne Sanchez added nine points for Dominican. Sophomore Sarah Nelson, who entered the week leading NCAA Division II in blocks, added a pair to her total, bringing it to 35 through eight games (4.375 bpg), scored seven points, and pulled down a team-high nine rebounds. Lauren Hyatt pulled down seven rebounds and chipped in four points.

Dominican faces the host Saints tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m. in the final game of the tournament. It will be just the second meeting between the two teams. After being tied at halftime last season at the Conlan Center, SMU pulled away in that game 67-61.