ARCATA, Calif. - The California State University San Bernardino women's basketball team fell on the road to Cal Poly Humboldt 81–67 Saturday afternoon at Lumberjack Arena.
With the loss, the Coyotes move to 7–10 overall and 5–7 in CCAA play.
CSUSB opened the game with energy on both ends of the floor and stayed competitive throughout the first quarter. Sophomore
Princess Cassell (Eastvale, Calif.) knocked down a three-pointer midway through the period, while senior
Rebecca Saidoff (West Hills, Calif. connected from beyond the arc off a turnover to help the Coyotes briefly take the lead. CSUSB forced early turnovers and used second-chance opportunities to stay within striking distance, trailing 21–15 after one.
The Lumberjacks pulled away in the second quarter behind an extended run, but the Coyotes continued to battle. Junior
Citlali Salazar (Los Angeles, Calif.) scored four points in the period, including a pull-up jumper late, while freshman
Ariana Hallstrom (San Leandro, Calif.) provided a spark off the bench with three points and an assist. Despite holding Humboldt to 30.8 percent shooting in the quarter, CSUSB went into halftime trailing 41–30.
Cal Poly Humboldt extended its lead in the third quarter, capitalizing on second-chance points. CSUSB answered with contributions from multiple players, as freshman
Alexis Tinnin (Bakersfield, Calif.) scored five points in the quarter, including a basket and a free throw during a brief Coyotes push. Redshirt junior
Hunter Simon (Temecula, Calif.) added a basket inside, but Humboldt held a 62–43 advantage heading into the final period.
The Coyotes showed resilience in the fourth quarter, outscoring Humboldt 24–19. Redshirt sophomore
Jaushlynn Ruffin (Compton, Calif.) led the surge, scoring 10 of her team-high 14 points in the final period, including a three-pointer and multiple finishes at the rim. Saidoff added five points in the quarter, knocking down a late three, while redshirt junior
Riy Smith (Oceanside, Calif.) and Hallstrom chipped in key buckets to close the gap late. Despite the strong finish, Humboldt secured the 81–67 win.
Ruffin led CSUSB with 14 points, while Saidoff finished with 11 points. Salazar added six points, four assists, and two steals, and Cassell contributed nine points as the Coyotes won the fourth quarter and finished with 27 bench points.
CSUSB will continue CCAA play in its next outing, returning to Coussoulis Arena on Thursday evening for a contest against San Francisco State. Tip-off is slated for 5:30 p.m.
#GoYotes
