IRVINE, Calif. — California State University San Bernardino women's basketball dropped a narrow 49-45 decision to Concordia University Irvine on Saturday evening at CU Arena.
With the loss, the Coyotes fall to 0-2 overall on the young season.
CSUSB jumped out to an early 8-3 lead a little over five minutes into the game after a three-pointer was made by freshman Rachel Goran. Sophomore Nevaeh Lemons scored four points in the first quarter, and the period came to a close knotted at 10-10.
Early second quarter buckets from fifth-year Hunter Simon and Lemons saw the Coyotes jump out to a 14-10 lead three minutes into the second, and the Yotes would lead by as many as five before the Golden Eagles closed the half on a 6-0 run to take a 21-20 lead to the break.
Lemons led CSUSB with nine first-half points, contributing 45 percent of CSUSB's first half offense. Simon had four points and a team-high six boards.
Concordia extended its lead to 26-20 by scoring the first five points of the third quarter. Goran answered with a fast-break three-pointer as the Coyotes pulled to within two at 26-24, but CUI rebuilt its advantage and took a 38-31 lead into the fourth quarter.
The Eagles held a 47-35 lead with 2:50 remaining before CSUSB mounted a late comeback. A pair of threes from Christy Reynoso sparked a 10-0 Coyote run to bring the CSUSB within 47-45 with 25 seconds left. Concordia converted two late free throws, and CSUSB's final three-point attempt fell short.
Simon finished with 11 points and 11 rebounds for her first double-double of the season. Lemons added 12 points, five assists, and four steals, while Reynoso scored eight points, including the two late three-pointers.
CSUSB finished with a 46-42 rebounding advantage and scored 13 second-chance points.
The Coyotes continue their road trip on Friday at 6 p.m. against Colorado Christian at the CCU Event Center in Lakewood, Colorado.
