POMONA, Calif.(Dec. 19) – The Central Washington University women's basketball team finished its California swing 2-0 after a 63-58 victory over Cal Poly Pomona.  The Wildcats are now 8-2 on the season, while Pomona is 4-7.

"We didn't shoot the ball great tonight, especially in the first quarter," CWU Head Coach Jeff Harada said.  "Our defense kept us in the game."
 
After trailing 16-10 following the first quarter the Wildcats held the Broncos to under 10 points in the second and third quarters, gaining the lead.
 
Central gained their first lead of the game with 28 seconds remaining in the first half, when Mandy Steward knocked down a three-pointer for a 24-22 CWU lead.
 
Steward finished with 14 points, three rebounds, one assist, and four steals.
 
The Broncos claimed the lead back with five seconds left in the half as Marshanique Hall made a three, 25-24.

"Caly Poly Pomona is a tough team to guard because they are so athletic," Harada added.  "We challenged everyone to be sharp defensively and I thought we did a pretty good job of that."
 
The third quarter was all Wildcats.  Alexis Berrysmith recorded back-to-back buckets to nab a 28-25 lead.  The Wildcats run continued with a layup from Jasmine Parker and a 30-25 lead.
 
Berrysmith totaled 14 points, six rebounds, and one block.  Parker added 12 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, four blocks, and three steals.

"Our three posts were great tonight," Harada noted.  "Our bench really gave us some quality minutes."
 
Central Washington's 8-0 run was finally ended by the Broncos when Jackie Ricketson made a layup, bringing the score to 34-27 with 3:55 left in the third.
 
The Wildcats went into the final period with a 44-34 lead. 
 
Cal Poly Pomona battled back in the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to 59-54 with just 24 seconds remaining in regulation.
 
A jumper by Hall with 19 seconds left brought the Broncos even closer, 59-56.  Steward was then fouled by Atlantis Babineaux and converted both of her free throws, pulling ahead 61-56.
 
On the ensuing possession for Cal Poly Pomona, Melanie Valdez fouled Hall, who made both of her free throws.  Steward returned the favor after being fouled on the next CWU possession, holding on for a 63-58 victory.
 
India Matheson recorded 10 points, two rebounds, and four assists.
 
The Wildcats brought in 39 boards, 11 steals, 30 points in the paint, 23 off of turnovers, five blocks, and 28 bench points. 

"Overall it was a huge team win and I'm really proud of them," Harada finished.
 
Central will be back in action on New Year's Eve (Dec. 31) in a Great Northwest Athletic Conference game against Seattle Pacific.  Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.