SAN MARCOS, Calif. – The California State University San Bernardino women's basketball team closed the game on a dominant run Saturday afternoon, pulling away in the fourth quarter to earn a 63–52 CCAA road victory over Cal State San Marcos at The Sports Center.
With the win, the Coyotes improve to 9–12 overall and 7–9 in conference play.
CSUSB came out sharp in the opening quarter, forcing early turnovers and building a 16–12 lead after one. Sophomore Princess Cassell (Eastvale, Calif.) knocked down an early three-pointer off a turnover, while senior Arianna Harper (Los Angeles, Calif.) connected from beyond the arc and added an assist as the Coyotes shot 60 percent from three in the period.
The momentum swung in the second quarter as Cal State San Marcos used a 7–0 run to take its largest lead of the game at 28–23. CSUSB struggled offensively in the period, shooting just 18.8 percent from the floor, but stayed within striking distance thanks to free throws from junior Citlali Salazar (Los Angeles, Calif.) and a late three from Harper, trimming the deficit to 28–26 at halftime.
The Coyotes regrouped after the break and turned in a strong third quarter, outscoring the Cougars 14–12 to even the game at 40–40 heading into the final period. Redshirt sophomore Jaushlynn Ruffin (Compton, Calif.) provided a spark inside, scoring twice in the paint, while junior Sincere Hardwick (San Bernardino, Calif.) finished through contact on a layup to help CSUSB erase multiple San Marcos leads.
CSUSB took control in the fourth quarter, holding Cal State San Marcos to just 12 points while pouring in 23 of its own. Cassell ignited the surge with a go-ahead three-pointer at the 1:41 mark, part of a 10–0 run that broke the game open. Senior Rebecca Saidoff (West Hills, Calif.) was perfect at the free-throw line late, and freshman Nevaeh Lemons (Compton, Calif.) sealed the win by knocking down a pair of free throws in the final seconds.
Cassell led the Coyotes with 10 points, adding six rebounds and three assists, while Harper finished with 10 points on efficient shooting. Ruffin contributed eight points, seven rebounds, and three steals, anchoring the Coyotes defensively. Saidoff added eight points and hit key free throws down the stretch, and redshirt junior Hunter Simon (Temecula, Calif.) chipped in six points, three rebounds, and two blocks off the bench.
CSUSB finished the game shooting 43.8 percent from three-point range and 88.9 percent from the free-throw line, while forcing 20 San Marcos turnovers and converting them into 14 fast-break points.
The Coyotes will return home on Thursday to continue CCAA play against UC Merced at Coussoulis Arena. Tip-off is slated for 5:30 p.m.
#GoYotes
