Women's Basketball: Strong second half propels Bear Cubs to win

Women's Basketball: Strong second half propels Bear Cubs to win

In their final first round Big 8 Conference game the Bear Cubs (9-11, 3-3) played host to the Hawks of Cosumnes River College (7-12, 2-4). The Hawks scored five points on their first two possessions, while the Bear Cubs turned the ball over their first time on offense and Anne Studdert sank a field goal on their second. The Hawks sank three more 3-pointers to jump out to a 14-8 lead at the 12:43 mark. Alicia Mehtlan sank two free throws, a field goal and a 3-pointer to give the Bear Cubs an 18-15 edge with 8:58 on the clock. Five different Bear Cubs each made a field goal during the remainder of the half while their defense only gave up two, to go into the locker room with a 28-19 lead.

            Both teams had trouble scoring in the first six minutes of the second half so the differential was still 9 points, 34-25. But after Amber Hart hit two shots in a row and Niambi Saint Louis also put in two in a row, their lead became 45-33 at the midway point of the half. A field goal by Brooke Santander, a 3-point play by Alicia Mehtlan, and a 3-pointer by Taylor Graham stretched the lead to 53-33 with 7:41 left to play. The Bear Cubs were able to main their lead for the rest of the game, as Jenna Dunbar completed a 3-point play and Cayla Chandara scored the final points of the game, to finish off the 63-42 victory.

            The Bear Cubs shot better in this game (23 out of 61 for 38%) but still committed 21 turnovers. Fortunately, their defense made it tough for the Hawks to score (14 out of 47 for 30%) and forced 27 turnovers.

            Alicia Mehtlan led the Bear Cubs with 12 points and 8 rebounds. Anne Studdert started her second game in a row and contributed 8 points. Jenna Dunbar scored 7 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. Taylor Graham also scored 7 points and made 3 steals. Sarah Arteseros pulled down 4 offensive rebounds and tallied 6 points. Vai Thompson started her second game in a row and put in 5 points. Brooke Santander also scored 5 points, while Amber Hart and Niambi Saint Louis each added 4 points, Brittney Rachuy 3, and Cayla Chandara 2.