Long Beach State University
Cal State Bakersfield
Rally From 49ers, Sims Fails Against Bakersfield
2/21/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Feb. 16, 2008
LONG BEACH - Long Beach State closed to within one point against Cal State Bakersfield, but was unable to complete a comeback from 14 down in a 65-62 loss to the Runners. Lauren Sims hit three three-pointers in nine second-half minutes to lead the charge, and finished with 11 points overall to tie for the team lead with LaTorya Barbee.
In a fairly quick and clean first half, the 49ers overcame an early three-point lead by Cal State Bakersfield to maintain an edge through most of the first half. In particular, the 49ers were passing well early, assisting half of their first-half field goals on the way to easy baskets.
Up three points at 19-16, the 49ers continued to lead as the 49ers found Kaiti O'Brien underneath for her ninth point of the half. From there, the 49ers took their largest lead at 28-22 following a Karina Figueroa three. Kelley Tarver answered with a Bakersfield three with 1:25 to play, but the Beach took a five point lead into the half at 30-25.
Coming out in the second half, the 49ers kept their lead for the first two minutes, but Cal State Bakersfield began an 11-0 run capped by a Christine Kepenekian three to take a 40-34 lead with 16:15 to go in the second half. Long Beach State's offensive woes continued, as Cal State Bakersfield eventually scored 15 unanswered points before a LaTorya Barbee jumper with 14 minutes to play.
Musina hit a pair of baskets in the next two minutes as the 49ers cut the Runner lead to six with twelve minutes to go. Bakersfield continued to get the line however, and eventually moved out to a 12 point lead with seven to play. A three from Lauren Sims started a 5-0 run for Long Beach State, but Cal State Bakersfield answered on the other end to stop the run.
Long Beach State pulled close late, as Lauren Sims hit a pair of threes to get the 49ers within four at 61-57, and Tyresha Calhoun cut the lead to two with fifty seconds to play. Kepenekian missed a layup, but on the rebound, the ball was called out of bounds on the 49ers to reset the shot clock. That play forced the 49ers to foul, and Krista Arase hit a pair of free throws to end the Long Beach State hopes of a comeback.
Long Beach State will play their final home game next week, hosting Cal State Fullerton on Thursday, February 21. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 p.m., and after the game the 49ers will recognize their lone senior, guard Tyresha Calhoun.
