Defense Key in Toros 72-64 Win Over St. Martin's

Ennisha Kyles led in the offense with 19 total points on the night

Lacey, WA -- Eyeing revenge in the second night of their meetings this year, the Cal State Dominguez Hills women's basketball team stepped up the defense that head coach Van Girard has been pushing all season and defeated the Saints of SMU 72-64 while giving up just 21 rebounds compared to 46 of their own.

Only 1:50 into the game an Ennisha Kyles (pictured) layup gave CSUDH a healthy lead at 6-0 and the energy to carry them to a win. Though playing back-and-forth much of the first half, a MacKenzie Mathias jump gave the Toros a seven-point lead at 36-29 to end the half.

The second half would tell a much different story as CSUDH did not succumb its lead at any one time. With 13:43 left, Mathias once again led the Toros to give them a 13-point break and knot what would be an easy victory.

Though dropping its lead to six points at one time, three good free throw from Brittney Blankenship propelled the Toros to a 16-point lead at 63-47, their biggest of the night.

A Toro steal from Whitney Gantt with 1:30 left in the game put the ball back in the right hands and broke a small streak the Saints were enjoying as CSUDH brought the game close at 67-62.

Following Gantt's momentum, Mathias would score five straight points to end the game at 72-64.

With 19 and 12 total points on the night, Kyles and Mathias were the respective offensive powers on the night in clutch moments. Not to be outshadowed was Neka Mixon who put in 18 points of her own. With 8 boards, Barbara Houston led in rebounding.

Now 5-4 on the season the Toros will resume CCAA play in the 2008 calendar year as they face off against the Golden Eagles of Cal State L.A. on New Year's Eve at 1:00 pm.

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