By Esteban Ramirez
Sports Editor
Behind a strong second half, the CSU Bakersfield women’s basketball team rallied back to beat Grand Canyon University 65-60 in a Western Athletic Conference game at the GCU Arena on Feb. 7.
The ’Runners (16-7, 5-3 WAC), who shot 25 percent from the floor and only made nine field goals in the first half, went into halftime down 34-24 to the Antelopes. However, CSUB was able to respond in the second half thanks to its offense coming alive and shooting 45 percent. The defense was also able to hold GCU (9-12, 3-5 WAC) to a measly 21 percent shooting and only six made field goals in the second half.
“Our defensive pressure was different in that second half than when we played against Utah Valley [University],” CSUB coach Greg McCall said. “We knew we weren’t shooting well against Grand Canyon, but we held them as well. It was just a matter of time before things started to click.
“We told them [at halftime] that we need to make shots. That’s the name of the game. We do have to be able make jobs. We got to be able to convert and we got to be able to execute. We are doing well on defense, so keep doing what you are doing defensively. Let’s try to get more turnovers, but we have to make shots.”
Though the ’Runners got back in the game, they still trailed the Antelopes 53-52 with 5:57 left in the game after a pair of free throws from GCU freshman guard Mikaehla Connor.
CSUB then went on a 10-0 run in the next 5:30 to take a commanding 62-53 lead and gave the Roadrunners a cushion to close out the game with some free throws.
“Against Utah we didn’t play very well,” McCall said. “We played a little sluggish and we kind of took a few steps back just the way we were doing things. We didn’t do things the way we usually do, so against Grand Canyon as a coach it was something I realized we have to get back to our old habits and our old ways. We did that against Grand Canyon and we came out with the win.
“This win was very huge. It says a lot about our players that we can still go out there and compete and play on the road. Teams are going to keep gunning for us, so it was a much needed win.”
Redshirt-senior guard Tyonna Outland led the way with 17 points and four rebounds. Junior center Batabe Zempare finished with 11 points and a game-high 16 rebounds. Senior guard Shaquita Smith added 11 points, including nine that came in the second half
“We need to win,” McCall said on what he wants to see from the team against University of Texas-Pan American on Feb. 12. “We want to take care of home. No one should know our home like we do.”
