February 17, 2006

Courtesy Chico State Sports Information Office

Box Score

Haley Ford, like many other players this season, had a hard time stopping Cal State Dominguez Hills point guard Tameka Blue. With the game on the line, though, Ford blocked Blue's shot and then stole a pass from her to secure the Chico State women's basketball team's 74-73 Friday night at Acker Gym. Chico State's 19-3 record is its best ever through 22 games.

Blue finished with 21 points on 8-of-21 shooting, her last basket coming with 59 seconds to play that drew the Toros within one point. After Amber Simmons missed a jumper, Dominguez Hills had two opportunities to win the game. But with 19 seconds left, Blue had a layup attempt blocked by Ford. The Toros grabbed the offensive rebound to give Blue one more opportunity to win the game, but Ford cut off her drive attempt and then grabbed a desperate pass right out of her hand with six seconds to play.

Ford missed both ends of a one-and-one, but grabbed the offensive rebound to secure the victory. Chico State, ranked 16th in the nation and 3rd in the West Region, improved to 13-2 in the CCAA. The Wildcats have won 16 straight home games. Cal State Dominguez Hills fell to 13-8 overall and 8-7 in the CCAA.

Amber Simmons led the Wildcats with 21 points, 14 of which came in the first half. Jennifer Borror notched her fourth double-double of the season with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Audriana Spencer was 5-for-5 from the field and scored 14 points.

Blue pocketed five steals and was one of the main forces behind Chico State's 29 turnovers. Brandi McGinest chipped in 17 points.

The Toros continue on the road with a Saturday night game at Cal State Stanislaus.