SPOKANE (Nov. 10) -- Jessica Malone erupted for 29 points as Gonzaga came from behind in the second half to defeat Seattle Pacific University 78-59 in a preseason women's basketball game Saturday night at The Kennel.

The Falcons, ranked No. 20 in the NCAA Division II preseason poll, were paced by 12 points of guard Stephanie Urrutia (Jr., 5-9, Sunnyside, Wa.) and 11 from Emily Faurholt (Fr., 5-11, Kennewick, Wa.).

SPU took a 29-26 lead into intermission but the Bulldogs, after shooting 25 percent in the first half, sizzled in the second period, making 5 of 9 3-pointers and hitting 54 percent overall. Overall, Gonzaga outscored their guests 52-30 in the final 20 minutes.

Malone connected on 9 of 16 field goals, including 5 of 9 treys. She also had seven rebounds. Raeanna Jewell added 17 points and 14 rebounds for Gonzaga, which finished with a 49-34 advantage on the boards.

Seattle Pacific hit 46 percent from the field in the first period but finished at only 40 percent (21-52). Kelley Berglund (Jr., 6-3, Port Angeles, Wa.) had nine points.

The Falcons open the regular season Saturday afternoon at 2 when they host Western Baptist in a nonconference game at Brougham Pavilion.

SEATTLE PACIFIC--Faurholt 11, Poe 7, Berglund 9, Hughes 3, Urrutia 12, Hermanson 3, Beaumont 4, Lukkes 4, Cadotte 1, Duffin 0, Gustafson 5.

GONZAGA--Burke 7, Malone 29, Stime 6, Quitiquit 0, Jewell 17, Mathews 2, Laney 8, Allen 5, Bickelhaupt 0, Tipps 4, Steblaj 0.

Halftime--SPU 29, GU 26.