CARSON, Calif. – The California State University San Bernardino women's basketball team rallied in the second half but could not overcome an early deficit, falling 68–61 to Cal State Dominguez Hills on Saturday afternoon at the Torodome.
With the loss, the Coyotes move to 12-15 overall and 10-12 in CCAA play.
CSUSB trailed 37–24 at halftime after the Toros used a 23-point second quarter to build separation. Cal State Dominguez Hills capitalized at the free-throw line and converted second-chance opportunities while limiting the Coyotes to just four field goals in the period.
The Coyotes cut the margin to four points midway through the fourth quarter following a Princess Cassell (Eastvale, Calif.) fast-break finish and a Jaushlynn Ruffin (Compton, Calif.) putback. However, Cal State Dominguez Hills answered with timely free throws and a late three-pointer to hold off the comeback attempt.
Despite the slow start, CSUSB showed resilience coming out of the locker room. The Coyotes outscored the Toros 22–14 in the third quarter, trimming a 16-point deficit to just five entering the final frame.
Cassell led the charge, finishing with a game-high 20 points and 11 rebounds for a double-double. She went 7-for-10 at the free-throw line and scored key baskets during the third-quarter surge to shift momentum.
Ruffin added nine points and nine rebounds, providing energy on the glass and in transition. Junior guard Citlali Salazar (Los Angeles, Calif.) chipped in eight points and six rebounds, while redshirt junior forward Hunter Simon (Temecula, Calif.) contributed six points and six boards.
Junior center Sincere Hardwick (San Bernardino, Calif.) was efficient off the bench, scoring six points on 3-of-3 shooting, and senior guard Rebecca Saidoff (West Hills, Calif.) knocked down two key three-pointers during the third-quarter comeback effort.
CSUSB finished the afternoon with 40 points in the paint and 18 fast-break points but shot 33.8 percent from the field and 20 percent from beyond the arc. The Toros converted 21-of-31 free throws, which proved decisive in the seven-point contest.
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