Second Gear
RIVERSIDE, Calif. --- It took an entire half to get warmed up, but California Baptist University found its rhythm and finished the regular season with a 79-68 win over Dominican.
The Lancers trailed by a pair after the first half, but came back strong in the second to secure the double-digit win on senior night.
"We just came out with poor energy in the first half, getting out-rebounded by 15," said Interim Head Coach Jeff Caha. "Coming off a game like we had at Grand Canyon it was tough to get going tonight. We came back strong with great energy in the second half and everyone stepped up big."
The Lancers had five players score in double figures when all was said and done, and were led by Jasmine Beverly who posted a 15 point and 15 rebound double-double.
"We had a lot of players give above and beyond effort in the second half, but that's just what Jasmine does every night," said Caha. "It's nothing new for her."
CBU shot 42.9 percent in the second half, hitting 15-of-35 field goals and making 18 free throws. Dominican shot just 31 percent in the second half, as the Lancers held the Penguins to nine field goals.
The Lancers opened the second half with a 12-2 run, going up 43-35 within the first four minutes of the half.
CBU went up by as much as 15 in the half, holding on to a double-digit lead most of the way.
A barrage nearing the two minute mark by the Penguins cut the Lancer lead to six at 70-64, but Simone Holmes and Myriah Hicks scored back-to-back layups to put CBU back up by 10.
Hicks hit four free throws down the stretch to seal the win.
Holmes poured in 12 points in the second half, finishing tied for the game high with 20 points. Hicks scored 14 points and seniors Marlee Rice and Nicole Anderson each added 10.
Taki Te Koi had 20 points for Dominican.
"It was great to get the win tonight especially for our seniors," said Caha. " Nicole (Anderson) and Alexis Johnson came in this year and bought in right away to what we were trying to do. Marlee's been here two years and her heart and attitude has been a constant since day one. They have been a huge part of our success this season."
CBU out-rebounded the Penguins 53-46 in the game, grabbing 20 offensive boards. Seven of Beverly's 15 rebounds were on the offensive end.
The Lancers finish their inaugural season in the PacWest in second place, closing the regular season with a 21-5 overall, 14-4 PacWest record.
Dominican drops to 4-24 overall, 3-15 PacWest with the loss.
The Lancers head to Winona Lake, Ind. for the NCCAA National Tournament beginning March 14.
