Toros Early Efforts Not Enough in 78-72 Loss at St. Martin's University

Brittney Blankenhship led the Toros with 16 points and 7 assists.

Lacey, WA - Despite an eight-point lead in the first half and much better shooting from the floor, it once again was free throw shooting that proved too costly as the Cal State Dominguez Hills women's basketball team fell to St. Martin's University 78-72. With 16 total points, Brittney Blankenship led the offensive charge for the Toros.

Gathering momentum quickly in the game, a Blankenship three gave the Toros a considerable lead 10 minutes into the contest. Following a scoreless two minutes from both benches, CSUDH improved its lead to eight, its highest of the night, following another three, this time off the hands of MacKenzie Mathias.

With 3:36 left in the first half, CSUDH slowly succumbed to the Saint's offense as Mathias made a layup to give the Toros their last lead of the half at 30-27. The Saint's Emily Lashua saw both her free throws go in moments before the break to give SMU a 35-32 halftime edge.

Though playing from behind in the second, a Whitney Gantt field goal gave the Toros a break as they tied the game at 43-43 with 15:47 left. Relinquishing the lead back to the Saints put CSUDH on the defensive until with 10:59 left, a steal from Kayla Montalvo and a subsequent feed to Barbara Houston gave the Toros the lead again at 54-52.

However, with seven minutes left, SMU grabbed its biggest lead of the night at 12 points and held on until the game's end for a final score of 78-72.

With 16 points and seven assists, Blankenship proved her worth as the Toros offensive leader on the night. With 12 points and 10 boards, Ennisha Kyles continues her double-double streak on the season.

CSUDH will continue its action against host SMU as they once again face off tomorrow at 4:00 pm.

Print Friendly Version