OUT-BATTLING THE WARRIORS

Thursday, December 9

Riverside

5:30 PM

California Baptist University

Westmont

OUT-BATTLING THE WARRIORS

12/10/2010 6:04:00 AM | Women's Basketball

RIVERSIDE, Calif. --- No. 19 California Baptist University knocked off its second ranked opponent in its last three games and got its third straight conference win with a 62-57 victory over No. 22 Westmont Thursday night.

The Lancers survived a furious second half push by the Warriors after they had grabbed a 10-point advantage in the first half.

“I thought we played with a lot of heart and a lot of poise tonight,” said Head Coach John Marcum. “The key tonight was really our defense. (Assistant Coach Jeff) Caha had the girls ready to play defense and they played hard.”

It was one of the lowest scoring games the typically offensive minded Lancers have had all season. Each team committed 15 turnovers and it was just the third time this year CBU has scored less than 70 points.

The Lancers fell behind 15-8 early in the first half, but used a 16-1 run to go up 24-16. A 3-pointer by the Warriors' Katie Kittle would end the run.

Renetha Burton hit three big shots inside the paint during the run as CBU used its size advantage inside all night. Burton scored all 10 of her points on the night in the first half.

CBU would push the lead to as much as 10 in the first half, but Westmont made a charge, outscoring the Lancers 8-2. The Lancers ended the first half with a 32-28 lead.

The Warriors would use the Lancers defensive aggressiveness against them out of the half, shooting five free throws en route to quickly tying the game at 35-35.

CBU took back the lead out of a timeout with a 3-pointer from Marlee Rice, but proceeded to go on a costly string of turnovers, falling behind 48-47. The two teams traded the lead back and forth, and with less than 3 minutes to play the score was tied 53-53.

Chynna Burwell was able to break the tie for CBU, catching a ball in the post and making a beautiful turnaround jumper.

“Chynna's shot was key for us,” said Marcum. “We were able to calm down after that and play our game.”

The Lancers were able to hold on to the lead from there on out, knocking down free throws for their last seven points of the game. Brenna Hahn had two of the biggest free throws of the night with CBU clinging to a one point advantage with :25 seconds to play.

After shooting 56 percent from the 3-point line just two nights earlier, the Lancers shot just 2-of-7 from downtown Thursday night. CBU scored 22 points in the paint and shot 44 percent from the field.

V.V. Vasciunaite led the team with her fourth straight with 20-point game and Shanice Billington matched her season-high with 13.

“I think we are definitely surprising some people right now,” said Marcum. “It's great to go into this break with a good record and really playing well.”

The Lancers, who were picked to finish eighth in the conference, move to 9-3 overall, 3-1 in the GSAC. Westmont falls to 7-2, 1-2. CBU is just a half game out of first place in the early season conference standings.

The Lancers head into a long winter break, resuming action Dec. 29 at the GSAC Challenge in Santa Barbara against Georgetown (Ky.) and then Dec. 30 against No. 10 Westminster. CBU resumes conference action Jan. 4 against No. 3 Azusa Pacific.