February 11, 2006

Box Score

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - The Cal State Bakersfield women's basketball team fought back from an 18-point, second-half deficit, but Cal State Dominguez Hills held on and pulled a stunning upset, winning 98-93 in double overtime in Bakersfield.

The Roadrunners (19-2, 12-2 CCAA) put together an impressive comeback, going on a 17-3 run over the final six minutes to tie the score at 76 with 36 seconds remaining in regulation.

The Toros (13-7, 8–6 CCAA) quickly responded with a three-pointer by Jessica Liang with 21 seconds left, but Kelley Tarver came back down to force overtime with a three-point shot of her own with just seven ticks on the clock.

After Brittany Blankenship scored an easy layup to put Dominguez Hills up four with one minute left in the first overtime, freshman point guard Krista Arase drilled a three-pointer to pull the Roadrunners within one.

A quick foul put Tameka Blue at the line where she made one of two to extend the Toro lead back to two points. But All-American Katie McElree hit a running right-hander to tie the score again with 10 seconds remaining, sending the game to a second overtime.

Bakersfield ran out of luck in the second period of extra time as the Toros jumped out to a quick six point lead. The 'Runners closed the gap to two points with one minute remaining, but Dominguez Hills sealed the deal by converting three of four free throws.

Blue lead the Toros with 23 points and added seven assists and Michelle Kribbell poured in 20 points and pulled down 11 rebounds.

Tarver paced the Roadrunner effort with 26 points with center Jessie Loring adding 21 of her own.

The double overtime game was the first in Cal State Bakersfield women's basketball history and the second overtime contest of the season. The Roadrunners lost to CCAA rival UC San Diego in extra time earlier in the year.

The Toros take a northern swing next weekend, playing Friday at Cal State Stanislaus and Saturday at Chico State.