LOS ANGELES -- Cal State LA's women's basketball team returned from the holidays on Sunday and had to endure a record-setting performance from conference title-contender Cal State San Marcos.
The Cougars set a new school record with 13 successful 3-pointers and beat the Golden Eagles, 75-54, in a California Collegiate Athletic Association contest in University Gym. Cal State LA, by contrast, was only 1-of-16 from 3-point range and never could get its offense untracked. Cal State LA (4-7, 3-3 CCAA) set a new program record with 15 successful 3-pointers earlier this season, but Cal State San Marcos (7-2, 5-1 CCAA) contested nearly every look the Golden Eagles got on Sunday and beat the Golden Eagles for the second time this season.
Jada Johnson had an outstanding game for the Golden Eagles with 16 points, six rebounds and four blocks. She was 8-of-10 from the floor and scored her 16 points in 23 minutes.
Anai Washington had a strong game as well with a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double.
Akayla Hackson had 17 points and 10 rebounds to lead four Cougars in double figures. Jordan Vasquez also had a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Kelsey Forrester and Dynnah Buckner had 14 points each and were a combined 6-of-8 from 3-point range.
Lily Buggs just missed a double-double with nine points and nine rebounds for the Golden Eagles, while
Alyssa Fisher had five points and six assists.
Yesenia Smith also had five points and hit the only 3-pointer of the game for the Golden Eagles.
Cal State LA shot 35.4 percent overall (23-of-65), but made just 1-of-16 from 3-point range and 7-of-12 from the free-throw line. Cal State San Marcos shot 40 percent (28-of-70) and was 13-of-31 from 3-point range, good for 41.9 percent. The Cougars were also perfect in six free-throw tries. Cal State LA was out-rebounded, 43-39, and committed 19 turnovers to 13 for Cal State San Marcos.
Cal State LA led only once, at 9-8, after a basket by Johnson midway through the opening quarter with an assist from
Nicole Flennaugh. After Cal State San Marcos took the lead, Johnson scored again to make it 13-11 before the Cougars went on an 11-0 run to take a 24-11 lead after one period.
Cal State San Marcos made it a 13-0 run with the opening basket of the second quarter before a basket by Washington with an assist from
Melena Bland stopped the surge.Â
Cal State San Marcos, though, extended its lead to 41-25 by halftime and 58-37 after three quarters.
Cal State LA will return to action on Thursday with a home game against Sonoma State at 5:30 p.m.