Box Score
LOS ANGELES – Cal State L.A.'s women's basketball team put itself in position to grab a California Collegiate Athletic Association win after a strong start and a determined second half.
The Golden Eagles, though, faltered a bit down the stretch and fell to Cal State Stanislaus, 61-55, Saturday night in their 2008-09 home finale in the Eagles Nest. Cal State L.A. (4-21, 3-15 CCAA) dropped both home games this weekend. Cal State Stanislaus (13-12, 8-10 CCAA), meanwhile, kept itself in solid position for the CCAA Championship Tournament.
Cal State L.A. shot 41 percent from the floor and held Cal State Stanislaus to 31 percent shooting. The Warriors, though, enjoyed a big 48-33 rebounding edge and hauled down 27 offensive rebounds.
Amber Whittington had 17 points to lead Cal State L.A., while
Jazzi Johnson had 13 points and six rebounds. Kati Busi had 19 points and six rebounds to lead Cal State Stanislaus, while Lysandra Williams had nine points and 10 rebounds.
The Golden Eagles honored seniors
Ashley Kitchen and Whittington in pre-game ceremonies and then got off to one of their best starts of the season. Cal State L.A. opened up a 25-12 lead with eight minutes left in the first half after a 3-pointer by
Cassie Suffolk and a layup by Johnson.
The Warriors, though, went on a 11-3 run to quickly cut the deficit to four points at 27-23 and they pulled to within two points at halftime, 30-28, after a free throw by Jeanette Rowe.
The Warriors started the second half on a strong run and opened up their biggest lead of the game, 40-32, with 13:20 to go after an offensive rebound and basket by Rebecca Arent.
The Golden Eagles, though, responded and took a three-point lead after back-to-back baskets by Whittington and Johnson that made it 50-47 with 5:44 remaining. The game was still tied at 53-53 after a free throw by Whittington with 2:55 to go, but Cal State Stanislaus scored eight straight points to take a 61-53 advantage in the final minute.
Cal State L.A. will conclude its 2008-09 season on the road with games at Humboldt State next Thursday and Sonoma State next Friday.
