Box Score
Turlock, CA -- Senior sharp-shooter Jessica Liang was her sharpest when it counted most as she scored a career-high 30 points on 11-of-15 shooting from the field, including 8-of-9 from 3-point land, as the Toros clinched a berth in this year's CCAA Conference Tournament with tonight's 72-68 win at Cal State Stanislaus, using a Chico State assist as the Wildcats disposed of Cal State L.A. earlier tonight. With Liang's makes, she set the CSUDH record for made 3s in a single season, and ties the CCAA record for 3s made in a game.
Conversely, the host Warriors were eliminated from postseason aspirations with the loss, as CSUS needed two wins entering tonight's game to make the final eight.
The Warriors came out hot, jumping out to a 12-0 lead to begin the game, but the Toros never wavered and eventually took the lead just over two minutes into the second half. The Toros then extended their lead to as much as eight points and despite a furious Warrior rally in the final minute they were able to hang on for the four-point victory.
In addition to Liang's career effort, the senior guard also was appointed the task of guarding Warrior scoring leader Shirsty Kumar, whom she held to 1-of-8 from the field and just 3 points.
Freshman Katie Busi collected her fourth double-double of the season scoring 18 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. She connected on seven of her nine shots including three of three from behind the arc. She also added a career high five blocked shots.
The Warriors shot 46.9 percent from the field for the game while the Toros shot 45.3 percent. However, the Toros outshot the Warriors in the second half 48.4 percent to 39.1 percent.
Barbara Houston and Ashley Johnson played key roles off the bench with a combined 15 points on 5-of-8 shooting from the field, while Ennisha Kyles was a monster on the board, tallying 12 boards, with six on each end.
The Toros conclude the regular season tomorrow night at Chico State, which clinched its third CCAA Crown in the last four years with its victory over CSULA. First tip for the regular season finale is set for 6:00 pm in Chico.
(Courtesy CS Stanislaus)
