BAKERSFIELD, Calif.—On a night in which Tyonna Outland (R-Sr., Compton, Calif., Lynwood HS) became the all-time leading scorer at CSU Bakersfield, it was CSUB point guard Alyssa Shannon (Jr., Bakersfield, Calif., Stockdale HS) who had a career high 24 points to lead a 'Runner comeback past Missouri-Kansas City 70-67 Thursday night.

“I'm excited about the win, it was a tough one,” said CSUB head coach Greg McCall. “Coming off two road losses, we were fighting uphill tonight. I knew we had what it would take to win. I'm very proud of our team.”

The Kangaroos' zone defense proved to be effective in the first half as UMKC held the 'Runners to 1-of-11 from three-point range and 37.1% (13-of-35) from the field. Missouri-Kansas City led 34-30 at halftime and took their largest lead, 42-34, with 15:25 to play. With the 'Roos leading 47-40, CSUB which made only one of its first 16 three-point attempts, sank four consecutive three-point shots during a 17-4 run. The scoring spree gave the Roadrunners a 57-51 lead.

UMKC battled back as Cali White, who led all scorers with 27 points, connecting on a pair of free throws with just over five to play to tie the score at 59. Outland put the Roadrunners back into the lead for what proved to be good with two free throws a little over a minute later at 61-59.

An Outland jumper made it a two-possession game, 63-59, as the game reached the two-minute threshold. Kiana Law was 1-of-2 from the free throw line to chip the 'Runner lead to three. Defense for both teams held before the first of seven Shannon free throws in the final 1:13 of the game pushed the lead back to five. Law was 1-of-2 from the line again before Shannon gave CSUB its second six-point lead of the night, 67-61 with 39 seconds remaining. White hit a long three-pointer to create a 67-64 contest and give the 'Roos life.

Shannon, who is currently the second leading free throw shooter in CSUB school history at 82%, could only make 1-of-2 when she was fouled with 23 seconds to go. UMKC took the rebound of the miss to White. The sophomore guard completed her sixth three-pointer of the night for a 68-67 game. The Roadrunners quickly got the ball to Shannon who was fouled. Shannon converted both attempts with seven seconds to play. The 'Roos inbounded the ball to White who would call timeout when she was faced a CSUB double-team. UMKC again found White on the inbounds, but her shot at the buzzer was no good and the 'Runners came away with the victory.

“We could have given up at any time, but we fought back and showed how bad we wanted it,” McCall said.

Outland surpassed Katie McElree (1,798, 2002-06) with a layup off a fast break with 2:35 left in the first half. Outland ended the night with 24 points and has 1,812 for her career. Outland was 10-of-23 from the field while the 5-9 wing grabbed three rebounds and had three steals.

 “I'm very proud of Ty,” McCall commented. “I say it all the time, a lot of teams have good players, but we have Ty. She's taken so much on her shoulders and sacrificed. She deserves everything she has earned. (The all-time scoring record) is something we've been striving for since the beginning of the season. She couldn't have done it without her teammates past and present. There have been a lot of great players to come through the door here at CSUB, but I think she is the best. I am very happy for her.”

“I appreciate coach's comments,” Outland said. “I hear a lot both during practice and during games. It is great to hear his compliments, but it makes me want to push to work harder and accept the bad with the good. I wasn't thinking of the record when (she scored her 10th point), I was thinking about getting the lead since we were on a run at the time.”

Shannon went to the free throw line a career high 13 times, making 11 attempts. She also had five assists and three steals.

“I am very happy for Alyssa tonight,” said McCall “She had two rough games on the road and she's bounced back really strong and I can't ask for more than that.”

White was 6-of-10 from three-point range and 7-of-7 from the charity stripe. Aries Washington was the only other Kanagaroo in double figures with 14. The Roadrunners would only shoot 36.2% (25-of-69) from the field on the night, 25% (6-24) from beyond the three-point arc. UMKC shot 40.7% (22-of-54) from the field, 46.7% from three-point range (7-of-15). The 'Runners scored 22 points off of 20 Missouri-Kansas City turnovers, making 13 steals.

CSUB will look to extended its school record home winning streak to 18 on Saturday wen the Roadrunners host Chicago State at 1 p.m. Tickets are available at vallitix.com.

 ~www.GoRunners.com~