SURPRISE, Ariz. – The OUAZ women's basketball team trailed the entire game in an 87-49 loss to No. 13 Menlo on Thursday evening in Golden State Athletic Conference action at Paradise Honors High School.
 
In the first of four straight games against team either in the NAIA top 25 or receiving votes, OUAZ (8-7, 2-6 GSAC) had little answer for the inside presence of the visitors. Menlo (14-4, 5-3) scored 42 points in the paint and had five players score in double figures.
 
After opening a double-digit lead with a 10-0 run in the first quarter, Menlo quickly put the game out of reach with a 21-6 second quarter that saw the Spirit make just two baskets and get all six points in the quarter from Alexis Smith.
 
It was a tough shooting night for OUAZ as they ended the game at 23.1 percent overall and 2 of 20 from beyond the arc. They turned it over 15 times for 28 points by the Oaks while getting 11 points from the 18 Menlo turnovers.
 
Bailey Osmer scored 22 points to lead the Spirit on an 8 of 16 shooting night. Smith added 10 points and three steals to tie Jorie Mayfield for the team lead in that category. Vanessa Barriga led the team with seven rebounds.
 
Menlo shot 47.9 percent and they got 18 points and 16 rebounds from Destinee Bowie.
 
OUAZ is back in action on Saturday when they face a William Jessup team that is receiving votes in the current NAIA Coaches' Poll. That game will begin at noon from Willow Canyon High School.