Box Score BAKERSFIELD, Calif..--Alyssa Shannon (So., Bakersfield, Calif., Stockdale HS) hit a pair of free throws with 23 seconds remaining to cap off a furious Bakersfield comeback as the Roadrunners (8-7, 2-1 WAC) defeated Seattle U (8-10, 3-2 WAC) 80-78. in Western Athletic Conference women's basketball action Thursday night.
The Redhawks led by 16, 62-46, with 9:18 to play before the 'Runners mounted the charge. Tyonna Outland (R-Jr., Compton, Calif., Lynwood HS) tied the game for the first time in the entire contest when she hit a three-pointer with 1:16 to play. Ashley Ward's three-point play on the ensuing Seattle possession returned the lead to the Redhawks.
Brooklynn Hinkens (Jr., Lake Tapps, Wash., Auburn-Riverside HS) tied it again for the 'Runners with a three from the left corner with just under a minute left. After a Bakersfield timeout, Seattle U worked the ball into the preseason WAC Player of the Year, Katie Sowell, who was fouled with 33 seconds remaining. Sowell, makde 1-of-2 attempts, setting the stage for the 'Runners.
Shannon, the 5-2 Bakersfield point guard, attacked the rim and was fouled by Makenna Clark. Shannon, the 'Runners leading free throw shooter at 85.7% make both for the first CSUB lead since the opening minute of play. The Redhawks called timeout, setting up a play for Taelor Ross, the other Redhawk post player. Ross missed a short jumper, but Sowell, got the offensive rebound. She missed the putback, but got her own rebound. Seattle U called timeout with seven to play.
The Redhawks worked the ball to Ashley Ward who missed a jumper with one second to play. Outland got the rebound and was fouled. Outland made 1-of-2 for the final 80-78 margin.
"We knew if continued to pressure the ball, that we could force turnovers," said Bakersfield head coach Greg McCall. "They have a history of wearing down, especially on the road. That was proven when Sowell airballed the second free throw late in the game. Getting stops and excecuting on the offensive end proved to be the difference."
Outland scored a career high 33 points and tied her career high with 12 rebounds. It was Outland's fifth career double-double and first this season. Outland was 11-of-14 from the free throw line. Melissa Sweat (Sr., Bakersfield, Calif., Southern Oregon) scored a season best 26 points. Sweat was 11-of-20 from the field.
Sowell scored 21 points and had a game high 13 rebounds. Ross scored 22 on 10-of-14 shooting while Ward had 16.
CSUB hosts WAC leader, Idaho (12-7, 5-0) Saturday at 3 p.m. in the Icardo Center.
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