California Baptist University
23-8,13-5WAC
#2 Grand Canyon
22-8,14-4WAC
Lancers Drop Heartbreaker To Lopes In WAC Tournament Semifinals
3/11/2022 5:28:00 PM | Women's Basketball
LAS VEGAS --- California Baptist University's women's basketball team dropped a heartbreaker in the 2022 Western Athletic Conference Basketball Tournament Semifinals on Friday, as the Lancers fell to Grand Canyon, 64-60.
It was an uphill battle all game, as the Lopes held onto the lead for 38 of the 40 minutes. The Lancers refused to go away despite trailing by as much as 11 points in the second half. Grand Canyon used an early 9-0 run in the opening quarter to jump out to a 17-6 lead.
Nicole Avila-Ambrosi brought the Lancers back within one in the final seconds of the first quarter, knocking down back-to-back threes for the Lancers.
BACK-TO-BACK THREES FOR AVILA-AMBROSI!!#LanceUp⚔ | #WACVegas pic.twitter.com/txDU1RM88U
— California Baptist Women's Basketball (@CBUwbb) March 11, 2022
The Lopes responded, though, using a 17-10 second quarter to go into the half up 39-31. Britney Thomas cut the deficit into single digits after a nice post move inside.
What a post move by Britney Thomas! She's up to eight points! #LanceUp⚔ | #WACVegas pic.twitter.com/jPELETN7Mi
— California Baptist Women's Basketball (@CBUwbb) March 11, 2022
The Lancers started to find their rhythm in the second half, as Trinity San Antonio brought the energy with a steal and dish to Avila-Ambrosi for the fast-break layup to cut it to six, 46-40.
Trinity San Antonio is bringing the energy!#LanceUp⚔ | #WACVegas pic.twitter.com/wObPi49xDM
— California Baptist Women's Basketball (@CBUwbb) March 11, 2022
San Antonio followed up her defensive performance with a three in the final minute of the third quarter to bring the Lancers within one possession. CBU ended the third quarter on a 12-4 run and outscored the Lopes, 14-9, to trail by three, 48-45.
The Lancers end the third quarter on a 12-4 run after a hard-earned bucket by Britney Thomas!#LanceUp⚔ | #WACVegas pic.twitter.com/O7nNcbtQJE
— California Baptist Women's Basketball (@CBUwbb) March 11, 2022
Ane Olaeta gave the Lancers their first lead of the game at the 1:53 mark in the final quarter after a hard-earned and-one.
OLAETA AND-ONE!!!#LanceUp⚔ | #WACVegas pic.twitter.com/rQ3Jl9vXjY
— California Baptist Women's Basketball (@CBUwbb) March 12, 2022
The Lopes were able to respond with a quick basket to retake the lead, and the Lancers were forced to finish the game with the Lopes on the free-throw line.
Avila-Ambrosi finished with a team-high 17 points to post a new season-best, going 6-13 from the field and 3-8 from the 3-point line. Olaeta added 16 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Thomas posted a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
UP NEXT
The Lancers will await to see what's in store next for the postseason.
