CHICO, Calif. - The California State University San Bernardino women's basketball team fell to the Chico State Wildcats Saturday afternoon at Acker Gymnasium by a score of 94-73. With the loss, the Coyotes are now 3-10 overall with a 2-6 record in CCAA play.
CSUSB began with one of their best offensive quarters of the season, putting up 23 points. Chico State kept pace, primarily by getting to the foul line, but the Yotes held a 23-22 advantage at the end of the first quarter. The team was also unselfish, with eight different players scoring in the opening 10 minutes, led by graduate student Jaida Jackson (Moreno Valley, Calif.) and senior Mia Dufresne (Torrance, Calif.). Jackson would finish as CSUSB's top scorer with 17 points for the game.
The second quarter started slowly for the Coyotes, as the Wildcats went on a 15-3 run to take a 37-26 lead. CSUSB responded with an 11-3 run of their own to close the quarter, cutting the deficit to 40-37 in favor of Chico State.
After halftime, CSUSB kept pace with the Wildcats. Graduate student Lauryn Morris (Irvine, Calif.) scored two quick baskets in the opening minutes of the third quarter, making it 42-41 Chico State. However, the Wildcats pulled away by the end of the quarter, taking a 63-53 lead into the final 10 minutes.
CSUSB started the fourth quarter strong. Morris recorded two steals early in the period and followed with two more baskets. The Coyotes cut the Wildcats' lead to five after a pair of free throws from Dufresne. CSUSB would keep it close until the middle of the quarter. Freshman Princess Cassell (Eastvale, Calif.), who recorded a season-high 15 points, scored a couple of baskets in the period. However, Chico State's offense pulled away late, and the Yotes couldn't keep up.
Despite the loss, CSUSB scored their third-highest point total of the season, with all 11 players who saw game action score. Additionally, they recorded 13 steals, marking the fourth consecutive game the Coyotes have recorded at least 10 steals.
Next up, CSUSB travels back home for two games. Thursday's tip-off against Stanislaus State is slated for 5:30 p.m.
#GoYotes
