TUCSON, Ariz.—Tyonna Outland (R-Sr., Compton, Calif., Lynwood HS) hit four free throws in the final 12 seconds as Bakersfield held off Arizona 76-72 Monday night in women's basketball action.

The Roadrunners shot 53-percent from the field (20-of-38) and 58-percent from three-point range (7-of-12) in the first half to lead 52-37 at halftime. Dajy Vines (R-Sr., Oxnard, Calif., Santa Clara HS) made 6-of-7 first half field goal attempts including all four of her three-pointers. CSUB turned 13 Arizona first half turnovers into 20 points.

'We got big games from Ty and Dajy," said Bakersfield head coach Greg McCall.

The Roadrunners scored six quick points to start the second half to force an Arizona timeout with 18:38 to play. Bakersfield pushed the lead to 20 with 17:29 left. As a result, the Wildcats switched to a zone defense. The change worked as Bakersfield went on a cold streak, missing 11 consecutive field goal attempts. Offensively Arizona used a 14-0 run to get to 60-54 with 11:27 to go.

"We shot well in the first half, but we couldn't knock down the open looks we had against their zone," McCall said.

Bakersfield would go without a point for over six minutes before an Outland free throw ended the spurt.  The Wildcats got to within five on a Keyhandra Cannon field goal at the 9:37 mark. CSUB would not score a basket for over nine minutes when Outland got the Roadrunners back on the board. Alli Gloyd's layup cut the 'Runner lead to 64-58 with 6:47 to go. After a CSUB miss, Charise Holloway connected on a three to make it a one possession game at 6:11 mark.

Bakersfield was able to penetrate the Arizona zone, resulting in Brittany Sims (So., Fresno, Calif., Edison HS) getting to the free throw line. The 6-3 center made both attempts to push the lead back to five. Arizona got a stop and got the game back to three when Candice Warthen scored. Another Wildcats' stop resulted in a Gloyd basket. Gloyd was fouled as she went up. Her free throw tied the game.

Vines returned the lead to the 'Runners with a three-pointer the next time down for Bakersfield.  With 2:28 to play, Holloway's field goal cut the lead to one, 69-68. The Wildcats missed on their ensuing offensive set which resulted in an Alyssa Shannon (Jr., Bakersfield, Calif., Stockdale HS) layup.

The Roadrunners were up 71-68 with 64 seconds remaining when Sims was called for a foul sending Holloway to the charity stripe. She made both as the Wildcats called timeout.  Arizona went for the steal on the 'Runners inbound pass before fouling Erika Williams (R-So., Fresno, Calif., Diamond Ranch HS). Williams missed her first free throw attempt before making the second.

Arizona had three shots at the basket the next time down. On the third attempt, LaBrittany Jones' shot was blocked by Williams. Outland came down with the rebound as CSUB called timeout with 14 seconds remaining. Two ticks came off the clock before Arizona fouled Outland who made both attempts for a two-possession game. Bakersfield called timeout to set up the defense.

Warthen dribbled down the court and hit a short jumper with five seconds to play allowing Arizona to call timeout. Outland took the inbounds pass from Vines and was fouled.  She made both for the final 76-72 margin. A Warthen three-pointer at the buzzer was short to give Bakersfield its first 2-0 start since the 2010-11 season.

The Wildcats (0-1) held Bakersfield to seven field goals (in 25 attempts) in the second half. CSUB still outshot the 'Cats 40.9 to 34.8 for the game. Arizona out rebounded the Roadrunners 49-37. Bakersfield forced 21 Wildcats' turnovers for the game, making 12 steals.  

Outland led the Roadrunners with 25 points. Vines had 19. Warthen led Arizona with 18 points. Jones earned a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds.  Holloway had 12 with Lloyd getting 11. The CSUB victory was the third for the Roadrunners in 17 games against Pac-12 opponents, the first against Arizona.

"We need to continue to work and improve as we go forward," McCall said.

Bakersfield concludes a two-game road trip Wednesday at Arizona State (1-0). Tip is set for 6:30 p.m. (MST). The Roadrunners return home Nov. 26 when CSUB hosts Fresno Pacific beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at vallitix.com.

~www.GoRunners.com~