Lancers Make it Four in a Row Against Alabama A&M

Saturday, November 16

Riverside, Calif.

11:00 AM

California Baptist University

4-0,0-0WAC

Alabama A&M

1-2,0-0SWAC

Alabama A&M

California Baptist

Lancers Make it Four in a Row Against Alabama A&M

11/16/2019 2:09:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score Photo Gallery

By: Daniel Cook, Assistant Director of Athletics Communications

RIVERSIDE -- California Baptist University stretched its season-opening winning streak to four games, with a 60-55 victory over Alabama A&M 60-55.

The Lancers got an all-around team win in this one, with four players scoring double-digit points and four grabbing seven or more rebounds on Saturday in the CBU Events Center.

All five Lancers get in on the action to extend the lead to 15 points in the fourth quarter! #LanceUp⚔️ pic.twitter.com/9zPgueT9Ac
— CBU W. Basketball (@CBUwbb) November 16, 2019

The game got off to a slow start as the first quarter wrapped up with a score of 10-9 in favor of the Bulldogs. It was much of the same in the second quarter where both teams scored 10 points each, with the Lancers ending the half on a 7-2 run.

After halftime, the CBU offense woke up and doubled their point total from the first half, with 19 points. Defensively, the Lancers held AAM to just eight to take a 10-point lead heading into the fourth quarter.

5⃣➖0⃣

Afu and Wu combine for five points in 20 seconds extending the CBU lead!#LanceUp⚔️ pic.twitter.com/DgjGgFFyWd
— CBU W. Basketball (@CBUwbb) November 16, 2019

The Lancers controlled much of the remaining game, building a 15-point advantage with two minutes left. The Bulldogs managed to fight back and get within three points with 11 seconds left, but a pair of Lancer free-throws and tough defense would ultimately seal the game in their favor.

Coach Jarrod Olson attributed the teams second-half success to team work and temperament.

"In the second half, we settled down and let the ball do some of the work for us," Olson said. "Ball movement got us a few shots and allowed us to settle into the game."

CBU was led again by Caitlyn Harper, who showed impressive footwork while scoring 13 points and grabbing nine rebounds. It was her career-high five blocks that highlighted her day.

💃💃

Caitlyn Harper dances through the Bulldog defenders for an easy lay-in!#LanceUp⚔️ pic.twitter.com/nzadcJPwX8
— CBU W. Basketball (@CBUwbb) November 16, 2019

Ane Olaeta had her best game of the young season, with 10 points and seven assists. The junior also had three steals, which gave her season-highs in all three categories.

Ane nails a three pointer as the shot clock expires! Lancers lead but the Bulldogs keep fighting back!#LanceUp⚔️ pic.twitter.com/Syk7bhqZYS
— CBU W. Basketball (@CBUwbb) November 16, 2019

Georgia Dale and Sydney Palma were the other Lancers in double-figures, each with 10 points and combining for 13 rebounds.

👆👇

Count it! And-1!#LanceUp⚔️ pic.twitter.com/ODKNVqbXl9
— CBU W. Basketball (@CBUwbb) November 16, 2019

The Lancer defense has arguably been the biggest key to their success this season, as they have held opponents to just 31.7 percent shooting from the field, 29.1 percent from the three-point line and are averaging 5.5 blocks and 6.75 steals per game.

Coach Olson knew defense would be key against a Bulldog squad known for rebounding.

"We were fortunate that our defense was good again today, that was one of our best defensive games. [Alabama A&M is] an elite offensive rebounding team and I feel we handled that well and they didn't kill us with that," Olson said.

California Baptist will host its first of two Education Day games on Thursday, Nov. 21 against Northern Arizona where over 1,500 elementary students from around the Inland Empire are expected to attend. Tip-off against the Lumberjacks is set for 11:00 a.m.