ANCHORAGE, Alaska (Interstat) — A dominant first-quarter performance and a game-high 20 points from Jada Wynn propelled the UC Irvine women’s basketball team to a 63-55 victory over Saint Thomas (Minn.) on Saturday at Alaska Airlines Center.

The Anteaters (4-2) seized control from the opening tip, exploding for 24 points while holding the Tommies (1-5) to just six. UC Irvine’s stifling defense forced Saint Thomas into difficult shots and capitalized on early turnovers, building a lead that proved insurmountable despite a strong second-quarter push from the Tommies.

Wynn, a guard from Yorba Linda, California, was efficient in her 37 minutes, adding multiple defensive rebounds to her scoring output. She was complemented by Hunter Hernandez of San Jose, California, who contributed 15 points and three assists. The Anteaters’ ball movement was a key factor, as they tallied 12 assists compared to just four for Saint Thomas.

The Tommies found their footing in the second period, outscoring UC Irvine 24-16 behind the efforts of Alyssa Sand. The 6-foot-3 forward from Albany, Minnesota, was a force for Saint Thomas, finishing with a team-high 22 points. Her performance, which included two blocks, spearheaded the comeback attempt that saw the Tommies trim the deficit significantly by halftime.

However, UC Irvine’s defense tightened again after the break, limiting Saint Thomas to 15 points in the third quarter to reclaim momentum. The Anteaters also excelled at the free-throw line, converting 16 of 17 attempts. The Tommies, meanwhile, struggled to maintain possession, committing 15 turnovers that led to 12 steals for UC Irvine.

Despite both teams shooting an identical 21 for 52 from the field, UC Irvine’s superior efficiency in creating and capitalizing on opportunities was the difference. The Anteaters posted an offensive rating of 108.5 points per 100 possessions, while the Tommies managed just 89.7.

Savannah McGowan of Plymouth, Minnesota, provided support for Saint Thomas with 12 points, and Laura Hauge of West Saint Paul, Minnesota, added 11 points and three assists. For UC Irvine, reserve post player Nohealani Stores of Redwood City, California, provided a valuable spark off the bench with 10 points.

The game was part of a multi-team event in Anchorage. An announced crowd of 2,101 watched the contest. UC Irvine will next host Wichita State on Friday, Nov. 28. Saint Thomas (Minn.) returns home to face Oakland on Wednesday, Nov. 26.