SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – The California State University San Bernardino women's basketball team erased a double-digit first-half deficit and forced overtime Wednesday night, but ultimately fell 74-69 to Cal Poly Humboldt in a CCAA battle at Coussoulis Arena.
The Coyotes drop to 11-13 overall and 9-10 in conference play with the defeat.
CSUSB trailed 18-11 after the first quarter and 36-24 at halftime, as Humboldt capitalized at the free-throw line and held the Coyotes to 29.6 percent shooting in the opening half.
The momentum shifted in the third quarter. Sophomore Princess Cassell (Eastvale, Calif.) led the charge, scoring seven points in the period, including a three-pointer and multiple drives to the rim. Redshirt sophomore Jaushlynn Ruffin (Compton, Calif.) added six points in the quarter, attacking the paint and converting at the line as CSUSB outscored Humboldt 22-12 to cut the deficit to 48-46 entering the fourth.
The Coyotes continued their push in the fourth. Cassell converted a three-point play early in the period to give CSUSB its first lead of the game, and freshman Ariana Hallstrom (San Leandro, Calif.) added a key jumper to extend the advantage to three with just over six minutes remaining. Cassell finished with 12 points and added nine rebounds, while Hallstrom contributed nine points and four boards.
With the score tied at 58-58 after four quarters, the game moved to overtime. Humboldt capitalized at the free-throw line in the extra session, going 9-of-14 in overtime alone, while the Coyotes managed 11 points in the period but could not overcome the deficit.
Ruffin paced the Coyotes with 12 points and eight rebounds, converting 3-of-4 from the free-throw line and providing a physical presence inside. Senior Rebecca Saidoff (West Hills, Calif.) also finished in double figures with 11 points, knocking down two three-pointers and going 5-of-6 from the line. Senior Paisley Specht (Sacramento, Calif.) added six points, including two triples, and redshirt junior Hunter Simon (Temecula, Calif.) chipped in six points and five rebounds off the bench.
CSUSB finished the night shooting 36.7 percent from the field and 46.2 percent from three-point range, while out-rebounding Humboldt 47-36. The Coyotes also held a 20-8 advantage in second-chance points and received 27 points from their bench, but Humboldt's 29 made free throws proved decisive.
Next up, the Coyotes will host Chico State for Senior Night on Saturday afternoon. The final tip-off of the season from Coussoulis Arena will take place at 1Â p.m.
#GoYotes
