Dixon leads UCLA women over Saint Mary’s 76-62

NEW YORK (AP) — Jasmine Dixon scored five of her 13 points during a run in the second half and No. 14 UCLA beat Saint Mary’s 76-62 on Saturday in the St. John’s Holiday Classic.

The Bruins play St. John’s in the championship game Sunday. The Gaels face Tennessee Tech in the consolation game.

Trailing 49-48 midway through the second half, Dixon sparked a 12-0 burst that lifted UCLA (6-1) to the victory. She had the first five points of the spurt.

Jackie Nared finally ended the 5-minute scoring drought for the Gaels, hitting two free throws to close the deficit to 60-51.

That’s as close as they’d get as Atonye Nyingifa had eight straight points to seal the win. Markel Walker had 15 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Bruins. Alyssia Brewer added 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Danielle Mauldin scored a career-high 26 points while Nared added 17 to lead Saint Mary’s (6-3).