LAS VEGAS, Nev.—Texas-Pan American overcame 12-point deficit with 8:57 to play in the second half to defeat CSU Bakersfield 76-70 in the semifinals of the Western Athletic Conference women's basketball tournament Friday at the Orleans Arena.

The Broncs overcame an early 10-point deficit, using a 12-5 run to end the first half and take a 43-41 lead into halftime. The physical, tightly called first half saw the teams combining for 24 fouls and 32 free throw attempts. The Roadrunners couldn't take advantage of the charity stripe, making only 11 of their 18 tries. UTPA was 10-of-14 and out-rebounded CSUB 28-23, the difference coming on the offensive glass as the Broncs scored eight second chance points off of 11 offensive rebounds (compared to six for the Roadrunners).

Trailing UTPA (19-13) 49-43 with 17:23 remaining in the second half, the Roadrunners raced to a 15-1 run to give CSUB an eight-point lead, 58-50, just over five minutes later. CSUB took the 12-point lead, the largest of the game for the Roadrunners, 66-54, when Erika Williams (R-Sr., Fresno, Calif., Diamond Ranch HS) hit back-to-back three-pointers. The Broncs raced back, scoring 12 of the next 14 points to make it 68-66 with 3:21 to play.

A Tyonna Outland (R-Sr., Compton, Calif., Lynwood HS) field goal put CSUB up four, 70-66 14 seconds later. Brittany Bush scored six consecutive points, including what proved to be the game winner with 43 seconds remaining. After an Outland miss, Rickell Preston made a layup. CSUB missed again on the ensuing possession resulting in Tonisha Walker being fouled. She sank both free throw attempts for the final two points of the game.

UTPA would end the night outrebounding CSUB 51-47, holding a six-offensive rebound advantage. The Broncs outscored the Roadrunners in the paint 43-25. CSUB turned the ball over 16 times which resulted in 19 UTPA points. Outland posted her second double-double of the season as she scored a game high 24 points and had a game high 12 rebounds. Williams tied her career high with 21 points.

The Broncs were led by Shawnte' Goff who charted a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds. Bush scored 12 while Hilda Kjartansdottir and Walker each scoring 10 points.

UTPA will take on New Mexico State at 1 p.m. on Saturday in the finals. The Aggies defeated Seattle U 78-75 in their Friday semifinals. The game will be televised on ESPN U and on the Watch ESPN app.

At 23-8, CSUB will have to wait until Monday to see what postseason tournament selects the 'Runners for play.

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