SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. - The California State University San Bernardino women's basketball team picked up a home CCAA victory Thursday evening, defeating San Francisco State 77–65 at Coussoulis Arena.
With the win, the Coyotes improve to 8–10 overall and 6–7 in CCAA play.
CSUSB set the tone early behind hot perimeter shooting. Senior Rebecca Saidoff (West Hills, Calif.) knocked down a three-pointer on the Coyotes' first possession and later added another triple off a turnover, while senior Arianna Harper (Los Angeles, Calif.) finished twice in transition to help CSUSB build early momentum. Despite multiple lead changes, the Coyotes edged the Gators 17-16 at the end of the opening quarter.
The second quarter proved to be the difference. CSUSB erupted for 26 points, holding San Francisco State to just five in the period. Saidoff caught fire, scoring 16 points in the quarter while connecting on four three-pointers, including back-to-back triples late in the half that stretched the lead to double digits. Junior Citlali Salazar (Los Angeles, Calif.) orchestrated the offense with timely assists, and redshirt junior Riy Smith (Oceanside, Calif.) and freshman Alexis Tinnin (Bakersfield, Calif.) added baskets during a decisive 14–0 run as the Coyotes went into halftime leading 43-21.
CSUSB maintained control in the third quarter, continuing to push the pace. Saidoff opened the half with another three, while redshirt junior Hunter Simon (Temecula, Calif.) and Salazar converted fast-break layups to keep the cushion intact. Sophomore Princess Cassell (Eastvale, Calif.) scored inside and at the free-throw line as the Coyotes outscored the Gators 20–18 in the period and carried a 63–39 advantage into the final frame.
San Francisco State mounted a late push in the fourth quarter, but CSUSB answered with key baskets down the stretch. Cassell scored 12 points in the fourth, including a three-pointer and multiple trips to the line to secure the 77–65 victory.
Saidoff led all scorers with 22 points, shooting 6-of-11 from beyond the arc in just 19 minutes. Cassell added 22 points, while Salazar finished with seven points, six assists, and two steals. CSUSB shot 44.8 percent from the field and 44.0 percent from three-point range in the win.
The Coyotes will continue CCAA play in their next contest, hosting Cal State East Bay at Coussoulis Arena on Saturday. Tip-off is slated for 1 p.m.
#GoYotes
