RENO, Nev.--Amber Williams (Sr., Fontana, Calif., Etiwanda HS) hit a jumper with 18 seconds remaining to break a 78-78 tie as CSU Bakersfield defeated Nevada 83-80 Saturday night.
The Roadrunners trailed for most of the second half before rallying to tie the score on a Batabe Zempare (Fr., Accra, Ghana, Scottsdale Chapparal HS) basket at the 59-second mark. The Wolfpack look to go ahead 12 seconds later when Ariella Weidman was fouled. Weidman, who was 8-for-8 at that point from the free throw line, missed both attempts as Janae Coffee (R-So., Fresno, Calif., Long Beach State) got the rebound on the second miss.
The Roadrunners worked the clock down to set up the go-ahead score for Williams. Nevada didn't call timeout, only to see Weidman turn the ball over. Williams was fouled, but she made only 1-of-2 free throw shots, giving the Wolfpack hope.
Nevada worked the ball to Weidman with six to go. She was fouled by Williams, Weidman made both to make it 81-80. CSUB's Ciarra Ford (Sr., Long Beach, Calif., Mt. Sac College) was fouled on the inbounds pass. Ford sank both for what proved to be the final score of 83-80. A three-point attempt by Weidman at the buzzer was no good, allowing CSUB to break a nine-game losing streak.
A total of five Roadrunners scored in double figures, led by Williams who had a game high 23. Zempare had 15 points and nine rebounds. Coffee, Ford, Tyonna Outland (R-So., Compton, Calif., Lynwood HS) all posted 11. Weidman was Nevada' leading scorer with 19.
CSUB returns home Tuesday night when the Roadrunners host future WAC opponent UT Pan American at 7 p.m.
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