Santa Clara, Calif. - Host Santa Clara shot 51.6% from the field and 87% from the free throw line in rolling to a 87-68 win over Georgia State Friday night. The Broncos shot 64% on 30-of-47 in opening an 81-53 lead at 7:15 as the reserves couldn't finish that pace.

Santa Clara started hot by making 10 of its first 15 shots in opening a 22-14 lead at 10:38. Georgia State scrambled back to close to 27-24 at 6:26, 29-26 at 5:46 and 31-28 at 5:09. But, Santa Clara burst away with a 8-1 run to make it 39-28 at 2:48. Santa Clara built a 48-34 halftime lead.

When Santa Clara started the second half with more hot shooting and a 16-8 start that made it 64-42 wtih more than 13 minutes to play. The Broncos got the lead to 28 points at 81-53 at 7:15.

Georgia State (4-8) couldn't hit from the floor (26-of-75, 34.7%) or the free throw line (12-of-19, 63%). Haley Gerrin led GSU with 15 points (7-of 12 FG) and six rebounds, while Ashlee Cole added 14 points off the bench. Kendra Long added 11 more points. CORRECTION: Kayla Nolan also added 11 more points, including a 3-point basket. For Nolan, that makes four consecutive 3-point baskets made in the two West Coast games.

 Unfortunately, San Jose native and Archbishop Mitty alum Ashley Watson was unable to play (knee injury). The junior starter for GSU had undergone early December surgery and returned to play Wednesday at San Jose. But, the knee was too sore to play again on Friday.

Santa Clara (4-7) got 24 points by 6-foot-4 center Ruta Zurauskyte, who was averaging seven per game coming in, but hit 9-for-12 FG and 6-for-6 FT. Nici Gilday added 18 points on 8-of-15.

Georgia State got off 75 shots, 13 more than Santa Clara, but the missed close shots in the paint proved costly.

Georgia State returns to action on New Year's Day, Jan. 1, when the Panthers start the Sun Belt season by playing host to Troy at 2 p.m. in the Sports Arena.