Norris hits for 30 as Aggie women take down Santa Clara
UCD stages dramatic comeback to win in overtime
SANTA CLARA - Megan Norris had a career-high 30 points as UC Davis went into overtime to defeat Santa Clara, 74-70, Sunday in a non-conference women's basketball game at the Leavey Center.
Norris hit from short range with 0:04 remaining in regulation to send the game into overtime tied at 61.
With their second straight win, the Aggies are now 3-3 on the young season, while Santa Clara drops to 3-2.
The Broncos dominated the early going to take a 27-19 lead at half, but Norris caught fire in the third quarter, hitting 18 of UCD's 23 points to trim the deficit to 44-42 entering the final quarter.
The lead changed hands six times in the fourth quarter, then in overtime Santa Clara took a 66-63 lead on a 3-pointer from Madison Naro, only to have Tova Sabel match that with a trey of her own to even things at 66 with 2:35 left.
The Broncos led, 70-68, entering the final minute, but Norris again tied things at 0:47, then two free throws by Nya Epps at 0:07 gave the Aggies a 72-70 lead.
Ryann Bennett closed out the scoring for the Aggies with two more free throws in the final second.
Norris hit 50 percent from the field and added seven rebounds, a block and a steal in an all-around performance.
UCD returns to non-conference action Saturday afternoon at Portland State, then opens Big West Conference play Dec. 5 at Cal Poly and Dec. 7 at UC Santa Barbara.
The Aggie women will finally be home again to host Arizona State Dec. 15 at 2 p.m.
Reach Bob Dunning at bobdunning@thewaryone.com
One of the best aspects of following this team is to see players gain confidence and realize their true potential. Megan Norris is a great example. We are only beginning to realize how far she can go.