SANTA ANA - The game started with a 7-0 run and saw the Dons up by as many as 30 before claiming their first home victory with an 82-65 win over Santa Monica College. The Dons, now 3-3, have won two-straight games going into their own tournament next week.

After at jumping out to that 7-0 lead, the Dons built their lead to double digits just over five minutes into the game. And the lead remained at least 10 points, with just two exceptions, for the remainder of the game. The Dons largest lead in the first half came at the end of the half as the Dons took a 45-23 lead into the break.

That lead quickly grew into 30 points on an Emily Hale three-pointer less than five minutes into the half as the Dons held a 59-29 lead. Santa Monica was able to get within 12 points of the Dons but that wasn't until there was less than one minute remaining in the game. With 36 seconds left, the Corsairs cut the lead to 77-65 before the Dons closed out the game with five-straight points.

Ashley Whisler led all scorers with 24 points while also dishing out eight assists, just two assists shy of being the third Don with a double-double. Acheiving that mark was Carly Ducat with 12 points and 10 rebounds and Berlin Ohanesian with 14 points and 10 rebounds. One more of the Dons got close to the double-double mark, Kelly Smit scored 10 points and grabbed six rebounds.

The Dons take a break for the holiday before returning home to host the Santa Ana College Tournament from November 29 through December 1. The Dons host College of the Desert at 8:00 p.m. on the 29th.