ANCHORAGE, Alaska (Interstat) — A dominant first-quarter performance and a resilient finish on the defensive end propelled the UC Irvine women’s basketball team to a 63-55 victory over Saint Thomas on Saturday at Alaska Airlines Center.

The Anteaters (4-2) exploded out of the gate, outscoring the Tommies 24-6 in the opening period to establish a commanding lead they would never fully relinquish. UC Irvine’s offense was surgical in the first quarter, capitalizing on early Saint Thomas miscues and converting at the free-throw line. The Tommies (1-5), however, mounted a significant challenge in the second quarter, winning the period 24-16 to cut the deficit to 40-30 at halftime.

Saint Thomas continued to chip away in the second half, but could never draw even. The Anteaters’ defense, which forced 15 turnovers and recorded 12 steals, repeatedly made crucial stops in the final minutes to secure the win.

The game was a study in contrasting efficiencies. While both teams finished with an identical 21 field goals made on 52 attempts, UC Irvine’s superior ball security and ability to get to the free-throw line proved decisive. The Anteaters committed only eight turnovers and were a near-perfect 16 of 17 from the charity stripe. Saint Thomas, by contrast, managed just 6 of 7 from the line and its 15 turnovers led to numerous transition opportunities for UC Irvine.

Jada Wynn led the Anteaters with 20 points, showcasing an efficient all-around game. Hunter Hernandez added 15 points and three assists, providing a steadying presence in the backcourt. Off the bench, Nohealani Stores provided a vital spark with 10 points in just 15 minutes of action.

Saint Thomas was led by a game-high 22 points from Alyssa Sand. The 6-foot-3 forward from Albany, Minnesota, also recorded two blocks. Savannah McGowan contributed 12 points for the Tommies, while Laura Hauge added 11 points and three assists.

UC Irvine’s ball movement was a key factor, as the Anteaters dished out 12 assists compared to just four for Saint Thomas. Shirel Nahum and Naomy Zonzon-Huyghe each facilitated the offense effectively, with Nahum tallying four assists and Zonzon-Huyghe adding two in her 17 minutes.

The victory marks UC Irvine’s second straight win at the multi-team event in Anchorage, following a 75-50 win over Bowling Green on Friday. The Anteaters now return home to face Wichita State on Nov. 28.

Saint Thomas, which defeated Alaska Anchorage 77-60 on Friday, saw its record fall to 1-5. The Tommies will look to rebound when they host Oakland on Nov. 26.

The announced attendance at the Alaska Airlines Center was 2,101.