FRISCO, Texas (Interstat) — The Oregon Ducks remained undefeated, using a dominant fourth-quarter surge to pull away from the Saint Mary’s Gaels for a 71-53 victory in a women’s NCAA Division I basketball game Tuesday at Dr Pepper Arena.

A close contest through three quarters turned decisively in Oregon’s favor in the final period. The Ducks, who led by just four points entering the fourth, erupted for 25 points while holding the Gaels to only seven, turning a tight battle into a comfortable win.

Saint Mary’s controlled the early tempo, leading 14-13 after the first quarter and extending their advantage to 31-29 at halftime. The Gaels maintained a narrow 46-45 lead heading into the final quarter before Oregon’s offense ignited and their defensive pressure overwhelmed Saint Mary’s.

The Ducks’ victory was fueled by superior ball movement and a massive advantage at the free-throw line. Oregon dished out 14 assists to Saint Mary’s seven and converted on 19 of 20 free throw attempts. The Gaels, by contrast, struggled from the line, making only 6 of 11. Oregon also forced 25 Saint Mary’s turnovers, converting them into 23 points.

Katie Fiso orchestrated the Oregon offense, delivering a double-double with 15 points and 10 assists. Ari Long provided a significant scoring punch with 15 points, while Amina Muhammad contributed 7 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists.

Saint Mary’s was led by Edie Clarke, who scored 14 points and added 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocks. Georgia Grigoropoulou provided a spark off the bench with 9 points in just nine minutes of play.

The game was a statistical anomaly in several areas. Both teams shot nearly 50 percent from the floor and finished with an identical 30 points in the paint. However, Oregon’s efficiency from the charity stripe and ability to capitalize on Saint Mary’s mistakes proved to be the difference.

With the win, Oregon improves to 7-0 on the season. The Ducks will face Old Dominion on Thursday in Frisco. Saint Mary’s falls to 5-2 and will play North Texas on Wednesday, also at Dr Pepper Arena.