SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – The California State University San Bernardino women's basketball team delivered in the clutch Saturday afternoon, edging Chico State 63–62 in a tightly contested CCAA matchup at Coussoulis Arena.
With the victory, the Coyotes improve to 12-13 overall and 10-10 in conference play.
Before the game, three Cal State San Bernardino seniors and graduate students were honored as they played in their final regular season home game at Coussoulis Arena. Arianna Harper (Los Angeles, Calif.), Rebecca Saidoff (West Hills, Calif.), and Paisley Specht (Sacramento, Calif.) were joined on the court by their friends and family for the pregame ceremony.
CSUSB trailed 17-12 after the first quarter but responded in the second, using defensive pressure and transition opportunities to outscore Chico State 20-16 in the period. Redshirt sophomore Jaushlynn Ruffin (Compton, Calif.) provided the early spark, attacking the paint and finishing through contact to keep the Coyotes within striking distance. Freshman Nevaeh Lemons (Compton, Calif.) added a key fast-break bucket, and the Coyotes went into halftime down just one, 33-32.
The third quarter featured nine lead changes as both teams traded baskets. Redshirt junior Riy Smith (Oceanside, Calif.) came alive offensively, knocking down mid-range jumpers to keep CSUSB in front. Saidoff delivered a crucial second-chance three-pointer late in the period, helping the Coyotes take a 49-46 lead into the fourth.
Chico State briefly regained momentum midway through the final quarter, building a seven-point advantage with just under four minutes remaining. Ruffin answered with back-to-back finishes inside, cutting the deficit to three. With 1:02 to play, Specht buried a clutch three-pointer to tie the game at 62-62.
Moments later, Ruffin attacked the rim and drew a foul with 22 seconds remaining. She calmly knocked down the first free throw to give CSUSB a one-point edge. After a defensive stop on Chico State's final possession, the Coyotes secured the 63-62 victory.
Ruffin led all scorers with 22 points on 9-of-17 shooting, adding four rebounds and key late free throws. Smith contributed 12 points and four rebounds, while Saidoff added eight points, including two three-pointers. Specht chipped in seven points, and redshirt junior Hunter Simon (Temecula, Calif.) controlled the glass with eight rebounds.
CSUSB dominated on the boards, outrebounding Chico State 43-37 and holding a 9-3 advantage in second-chance points. The Coyotes also forced 20 Wildcat turnovers and converted them into critical scoring opportunities.
The Coyotes will continue CCAA play on Thursday with a trip to Cal State Los Angeles. Tip-off is slated for 5:30 p.m.
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