California Baptist University
Fresno Pacific
Dramatic Homecoming
12/15/2013 4:11:00 AM | Women's Basketball
RIVERSIDE, Calif. --- Coming off a long stretch on the road, having not been at home since its home opener back on Nov. 9, California Baptist University came out looking to defend its home court.
The Lancers fell just short of picking up their first PacWest victory, dropping a 56-54 decision to visiting Fresno Pacific Saturday night. The loss puts CBU at 2-7 overall, 0-3 in conference, while the Sunbirds improve to 1-7, 1-1 in the PacWest.
In her first game back from injury, Ashley Jones led the Lancers with a double-double performance, finishing the night with 19 points (7-for-16) and 11 rebounds. Elise Shelton (4-for-14) and Kamille Diaz (3-for-8) each came just shy of double figures, grabbing nine points apiece.
On the other side of the ball, FPU's Charde Stevens dominated the boards, finishing the night with 17 total rebounds. Her 14 points completed the double-double for the Sunbirds. Jenay Herring followed closely behind with 12 points on the night.
A battle ensued in the first half as each team tried to take momentum under its control, with the lead changing six times and an even score seven times.
CBU opened with the first points of the night off a layup from Shelton in the paint, but FPU would go on a six-point run to hold a four-point upper hand at 18-14 with 10:16 remaining in the half.
The Lancers responded with six unanswered points of their own to take back the lead, capped by a free throw from Jasmine Sauser. Despite the Sunbirds taking a five-point cushion at 3:56 to put the score at 26-21, CBU bounced back to finish the remaining four minutes with a 12-5 run to hold a 33-31 advantage at the break.
Jones initiated a 10-0 run for the Lancers to start the second half, finishing a layup off an offensive board and drawing a foul for the three-point play. Jones, Shelton and Megan Brown combined to finish the run, giving CBU its largest lead of the night at 43-31 and 16:49 left on the clock.
Down but not out, FPU cut the Lancers' lead to just four points and kept it under double-digits for the remainder of the night.
Heading down the stretch, with CBU in front 53-48, the Lancers surrendered an 8-1 run to the Sunbirds to put the game at 56-54 and just over a minute left to play.
With 11 seconds left to play, Jones grabbed a clutch defensive rebound to put the Lancers back on offense. Hoping to grab a dramatic buzzer-beater like it had in its home opener, CBU turned over the ball to seal the Sunbird victory.
CBU will look to rebound as it continues on a four-game home stand, hosting Dominican on Wednesday, Dec. 18, at 5 p.m.
