`Runners Let Lead Slip Against UTEP

Box Score EL PASO, Texas – The Roadrunner women's basketball team added 22 points against UTEP in the second quarter on Saturday's first regular season on the road but fell short 56-67.

"Our defense was really good at the start," said Greg McCall, Head Coach of the `Runners. "We played well in the first three quarters. We just hit a block in the road and couldn't score and couldn't get the stops we needed. We just have to learn from this loss, learn to be aggressive all the way for 40 minutes. We broke down defensively on the inside. It was the first game of season and played a tough opponent on the road, so, we will learn from this one."

CSUB started out slow scoring only five points in the first 10 minutes as UTEP held a 12-5 lead at the end of the first quarter. The `Runners kicked up their offense a notch by adding an outstanding 22 points in the second quarter and found themselves ahead 27-26 at the break. Senior Aja Williams led Bakersfield with 9 points thanks to a trio of three pointers, while junior Malaysia McHenry had four points and four rebounds.

The momentum from the second quarter gave Bakersfield that extra boost to keep them on top through the third period after adding another 18 points while the Miners scored just 11. Redshirt junior Jazmine Johnson stayed hot, posted six points on two field goals and two free throws. The third period ended with CSUB staying on top at 45-37.

UTEP caught CSUB off guard at the start of the fourth period and scored nine points to tie up the game in the first two minutes. The Miners continued that momentum to add 30 points in the period and made 80% of their field goals while the `Runners let their lead slip and only made 19% of their shots.

Johnson led the `Runners with 15 points, three rebounds, and two steals. Senior Aja Williams ended the day with 13 points, four rebounds, and two steals while redshirt senior Jazmyne Bartee led with six rebounds. As a team Bakersfield made 33% of its field goals (21-of-61) and ended the day with converting 75% of their free throws.

The `Runners will return home on Tuesday, Nov. 14, in the Icardo Center. CSUB will face off against Fresno Pacific with tipoff scheduled for 7 p.m.

~GoRunners.com~

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Players Mentioned

#32 Jazmyne Bartee: C; 6' 2"; Redshirt Senior

#20 JJ Johnson: G; 5' 7"; Redshirt Junior

#24 Aja Williams: F; 5' 10"; Senior

#15 Malayasia McHenry: F; 6' 1"; Junior

Players Mentioned

#32 Jazmyne Bartee
: 6' 2"; Redshirt Senior
: C

#20 JJ Johnson
: 5' 7"; Redshirt Junior
: G

#24 Aja Williams
: 5' 10"; Senior
: F

#15 Malayasia McHenry
: 6' 1"; Junior
: F