BLACKJACK
LAS VEGAS, Nev. ? Jeanine Deno scored a game-high 21 points to lead California Baptist to an 89-67 win over Bethany (Kan.) in the opening round of the Las Vegas Shoot-Out.
The Lancers (7-3) are one of seven NAIA teams in the tournament that also features Golden State Athletic Conference foe Vanguard.
Deno drained a season-high five 3-pointers, going 5-for-7 from beyond the arc and went 8-for-11 from the field. Her career-high is six 3-pointers made, which came against Bethany (Calif.) in the 2007-08 season. The senior also recorded three rebounds, three assists and two steals on the night.
Nicole Davis also scored 19 points as she was the only other CBU player in double figures. She nailed nine of her 13 attempts from the field and also notched three rebounds and three assists to go with her one steal. Brenna Hahn added nine points while Alyson Haley and Brianna Estell each chipped in with eight points.
Kendra Morris sank at least two 3-pointers for the fifth straight game as she has downed 19 treys in the last five games.
CBU shot 44.9 percent (35-78) from the field while holding the Swedes to 41.8 percent (23-55) shooting. The Lancers allowed just five 3-pointers, four of which came from Jade Pihl, and forced 29 Bethany turnovers. CBU also out rebounded the Swedes 42-30.
California Baptist will now take on Cumberland (Tenn.), Monday, at 4 p.m. If the Lancers win, they will play the winner of Vanguard and Mount Marty (S.D.), Tuesday, at 6 p.m. for the tournament title. If CBU loses, they will play the loser of the same two teams, Tuesday, at 4 p.m. for third place.
