CHICO, Calif. - The California State University San Bernardino women's basketball team battled throughout but came up short in a 63–56 road loss to Chico State on Thursday evening at Art Acker Gym.
With the setback, the Coyotes move to 7–9 overall and 5–6 in CCAA play.
CSUSB set the tone early, opening the game with strong defensive pressure and efficient offense. Redshirt sophomore
Jaushlynn Ruffin (Compton, Calif.) scored six points in the first quarter, including multiple finishes in the paint, as the Coyotes jumped out to a game-high 11-point lead midway through the period. CSUSB limited Chico State to 35.7 percent shooting in the quarter and held a 16–15 advantage after one.
The Wildcats answered in the second quarter, but the Coyotes stayed competitive behind timely scoring from the bench. Graduate student
Paisley Specht (Sacramento, Calif.) knocked down a three-pointer early in the period to briefly regain the lead, while junior
Citlali Salazar (Los Angeles, Calif.) added key buckets inside as CSUSB matched Chico State basket for basket. Despite the effort, Chico State edged the Coyotes 15–12 in the quarter, sending CSUSB into halftime trailing 30–28.
Coming out of the break, CSUSB continued to apply pressure in a tightly contested third quarter. Senior
Rebecca Saidoff (West Hills, Calif.) connected on a three-pointer early in the frame, and freshman
Nevaeh Lemons (Compton, Calif.) provided a spark by scoring five points in the quarter, including trips to the free-throw line, helping the Coyotes briefly reclaim the lead. Chico State responded late, however, to take a 47–44 lead into the final period.
The Coyotes kept it close down the stretch, with Saidoff drilling back-to-back three-pointers in the final minute to cut the deficit to seven. CSUSB continued to attack in transition and on the offensive glass, but Chico State sealed the game at the free-throw line to secure the 63–56 decision.
Saidoff led CSUSB with 11 points, while Ruffin finished with nine points. Salazar added eight points and a team-high seven rebounds as the Coyotes held advantages in fast-break points (12–7) and second-chance points (16–12).
CSUSB will look to bounce back as it continues CCAA play Saturday at Cal Poly Humboldt. Tip-off is slated for 1 p.m.
#GoYotes
