HONOLULU – Jenna Shandy scored 15 points Saturday and helped the Colorado School of Mines women's basketball team close the Hoops in Hawaii Classic with a 56-53 win against Hawaii Pacific.
 
Shandy added three rebounds, three steals, and one assist to her game resume. Emma Sixta was right behind her on offense with nine points, three rebounds, and two assists. Sofia Baldessari grabbed seven rebounds, Jade Leon handed out five assists. The Mines (5-8) defense held Hawaii Pacific (3-6) under 30-percent shooting from the floor. That defensive effort helped offset other statistical advantages held by the Sharks. The other key for the Orediggers was a 23-20 edge in the turnover battle which resulted in 23 points for the visitors.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
There might have been five ties and six lead changes on Saturday at the Shark Tank, but Mines won three out of four quarters to secure the victory. Eight first-quarter points off the hand of Shandy put the Orediggers ahead, 18-16, after 10 minutes of action. The explosive first frame led to a defensive struggle in the second quarter which Mines won, 8-6, for a 26-22 halftime lead. Hawaii Pacific gained some ground in the third quarter thanks to a 16-12 margin in the period. However, Baldessari's six points in the fourth quarter fueled an 18 point outburst by the Orediggers and helped cement the win. Baldessari and Sixta combined for Mines' final six points to close out the game.
 
NOTABLES
- Mines improved to 3-0 in the all-time series against Hawaii Pacific.
- Ten out of 11 Orediggers on the roster saw action Saturday and all 10 scored at least two points.
- Leon is averaging 3.0 assists per game through 13 games.
- Coach Simpson is now 237-147 in her 14th season leading the Orediggers.
 
WHAT'S NEXT
Mines takes a break from games for the holiday break. The Orediggers return to action on Friday, Jan. 2, against Nelson University Arizona at 1 p.m. inside Lockridge Arena.
 
Fans can keep up with Mines women's basketball on "X" (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram at @MinesWBB. They can also keep up with Colorado School of Mines Athletics all year long on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the handle @MinesAthletics.