LOS ANGELES -- Cal State LA's women's basketball team played a tremendous first half and threw quite a scare into No. 9 UC San Diego, but the Tritons turned things around with a sensational second-half shooting performance.

The Golden Eagles led by as many as 13 points in the first half and held a 32-22 halftime lead, but the Tritons shot 55.2 percent in the second half, including an 8-of-12 showing from 3-point range, to earn an 81-72 decision Thursday in a California Collegiate Athletic Association contest in University Gym. Cal State LA (6-5, 3-4 CCAA) lost its second straight tough decision at home, while UC San Diego (12-0, 8-0 CCAA) remained unbeaten on the season.

Chiderah Uzowuru continued her outstanding scoring surge and had a game-high 26 points. She has now scored 20 or more points in six straight games. Christine Delapina had one of her best games of the season and had 18 points, while Madison Adams had a tremendous game as well with 14 points in 24 productive minutes.

UC San Diego displayed its depth with four players reaching double figures in scoring and six players knocking down 3-pointers. Julia Macabuhay led the way with 18 points, while Kayla Soto had 17 points and Mikayla Williams had 13 points and 13 rebounds.

Mackenzie Barnes had eight points and five rebounds for the Golden Eagles, while Rachael DiRegolo had a team-high seven rebounds to go along with two points and one block.

Cal State LA shot 42.4 percent for the game (25-of-59) and made 4-of-13 from 3-point range. UC San Diego shot 36.1 percent for game (22-of-61) and made 13-of-34 from 3-point range. The Tritons were 5-of-22 in the first half from 3-point range and 8-of-12 in the second half. The Tritons were also 24-of-31 from the free-throw line, while the Golden Eagles were 18-of-22.

UC San Diego had a 43-32 rebounding edge and both teams played well with the Tritons committing nine turnovers and the Golden Eagles just eight.

The Golden Eagles led 18-13 after one quarter and built a 30-17 lead late in the second quarter on a layup by DiRegolo off a pass from Delapina. The Tritons responded with five straight points to slice the lead to eight before a layup by Uzowuru gave the Golden Eagles a 32-22 halftime lead.

The Tritons opened the second half with a barrage of 3-pointers, including a pair by Macabuhay sandwiched around a Cal State LA 3-pointer by Delapina. The Tritons tied the game at 41-41 and then opened up a 51-45 lead before the Golden Eagles cut it to 53-49 after three quarters.

The Golden Eagles remained within striking distance in the fourth period, but never could get closer than five points down the stretch.

Cal State LA will return to action on Saturday with a home game against San Francisco State at 1 p.m.