FINAL SECONDS GLORY
RIVERSIDE, Calif. ---
Dana Olsen blocked a shot then hit the game-winning layup with 5.3 seconds to play, giving 17th-ranked California Baptist University a 61-60 win over No. 8 Azusa Pacific.
In a game that featured 10 lead changes and six ties, with no team holding an advantage of larger than six points, the Lancers held APU scoreless for the last minute of the game to get the win.
“I really think this was a program win for us,” said Head Coach John Marcum. “This was last year's national runner-up who returned everybody and added some good players. This win really shows where our team is and were we can be.”
After facing a five-point deficit with five minutes to play, CBU cut the Cougar lead to one three times down the stretch, but couldn't pull in front until the final seconds. Briana Hall scored on a layup to give the Cougars a three-point edge with 1:03 to play, but Olsen answered with a layup of her own to cut the lead to one. With the shot clock winding down on the next possession, Olsen blocked a shot attempt near the top of the key by APU's Alex Moore-Porter to set up the final possession for Lancers.
The Lancers got the ball with 16 seconds to play, trailing 60-59, and wasted no time getting the ball to Olsen. The 6'4” forward from Overland Park, Kansas got the ball on the left block and immediately spun past the defender into the center of the lane and laid the ball in.
With 5.3 seconds to play APU inbounded the ball against the Lancers' full court press and eventually got the ball to Eboni Sadler who rimmed out a 3-point shot from the corner.
“I had a good seal and a great pass from S.J. (Simmons) and I was just happy to make that shot,” said Olsen of her final basket. “From there we were ready to play defense. We know we can play defense with anybody.”
Playing in just her third game for CBU, Olsen finished with a game-high 16 points on 8-of-13 shooting, helping the Lancers shoot 48.1 percent from the field and own a 42-26 points in the paint advantage.
“I knew Dana could score with her back to the basket and that's a high percentage shot so we went to her,” said Marcum. “A lot of times field goal percentage is the biggest indicator of winning or losing and you can overcome a lot of deficiencies there.”
CBU's high shooting percentage helped the team overcome a 48-40 disparity on the boards. APU out-rebounded the Lancers 29-12 on the offensive end en route to 24 second chance points.
“We were getting killed on the boards for most of the game, but the girls tightened things up when it counted and didn't allow an offensive rebound in the last five minutes,” said Marcum. “Still, we definitely need to improve in that area. Rebounding is one area in basketball where you can really show your commitment and we didn't do that tonight.”
Renetha Burton added a double-double for the Lancers scoring 10 points and grabbing 12 rebounds.
Brenna Hahn was the second leading scorer in the game with 14 points. Hahn was 5-for-6 from the free throw line, hitting two clutch foul shots with 1:17 to play.
Moore-Porter had 13 points and 13 rebounds to lead the Cougars. Nine of her rebounds were on the offensive end.
CBU maintained its spot in a tie atop the GSAC standings with a win, moving to 11-4 overall, 4-1 GSAC. The Master's and Vanguard also own 4-1 conference records. APU falls to 11-4, 3-2.
CBU faces No. 9 Vanguard on the road Saturday in a battle of first place GSAC teams.
