SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - The California State University San Bernardino women's basketball team fell 66-53 to the Dominican University of California Penguins on Friday evening at the Don Nasser Family Plaza.
With the defeat, the Coyotes fall to 2-2 on the season.
CSUSB opened the game with a 4–0 lead on early baskets by senior Rebecca Saidoff (West Hills, Calif.) and redshirt sophomore Jaushlynn Ruffin (Compton, Calif.). Dominican responded with a run to pull ahead, but the Yotes quickly reclaimed the lead after a three-pointer from senior Arianna Harper (Los Angeles, Calif.).
Junior Sincere Hardwick (San Bernardino, Calif.) added to it on the next possession, pushing CSUSB ahead 16–11. The Penguins, however, rallied and edged back in front, taking a 19-18 lead into the second quarter.
Dominican extended its advantage to 31–19, but CSUSB closed the half on an 11–2 run. The surge was capped by freshman Nevaeh Lemons (Compton, Calif.), who knocked down three free throws after being fouled on a three-point attempt.
In the third quarter, the Yotes generated most of their offense at the free-throw line, scoring eight of their 12 points from the stripe.
CSUSB twice cut Dominican's lead to four in the fourth quarter, but could not get any closer. The Penguins held off the comeback attempt and gradually pulled away for the remainder of the game.
Hardwick was the Yotes' leading scorer with nine points and six boards, while Ruffin posted eight points. Harper had seven points in the defeat, while junior
Kendal Alloway (San Diego, Calif.) led the Coyotes with eight rebounds.
Up next, the Coyotes face Westmont next Saturday in their home opener. Tip-off is slated for 1 p.m.
#GoYotes
