GOLDEN, Colo. (Nov. 18) – The Central Washington University women's basketball team fell in its final game at the Tony Corbetta Classic, 76-65, to Metro State University Denver.
The Wildcats are now 1-3 on the year, while the Roadrunners improve to 2-2.
"We struggled to put together more consistent stretches of getting stops on one end and scoring on the other," CWU Hea Coach
Randi Richardson-Thornley said afterward. "When you iss free throws, layups, and don't capitalize on your opponent's mistakes, it's very hard to win on the road. In the big moments we needed more big plays and that just didn't happen. We have to learn from this trip and move forward."
Central stormed quickly out to an 11-2 lead, including a 4-0 run to open the contest. After the Roadrunners notched their first basket, the Wildcats erupted for a 7-0 run for their nine-point lead.
The Roadrunners chipped away at the Wildcats lead, before taking a lead of their own at 23-22 with 5:42 left in the first quarter. The extended their lead by as many as nine in the first quarter. Their lead expanded to 16 with 1:46 left in the second quarter thanks to an 11-0 run.
Metro State held a double-digit advantage through the second half, until a layup by
Alexis Pana brought the Wildcats' deficit to nine, 65-56, with 3:35 to play in regulation.
The Wildcats won the first and fourth quarters, outscoring the Roadrunners 15-14 and 23-20 in the respective periods, but they were outscored 42-27 in the middle periods. The Wildcats shot just 35 percent from the floor and 65.5 percent at the charity stripe. They finished with 22 turnovers.
Jasmin Edwards finished with a team high 14 points, while both
Sadie Mensing and
Kaelie Flores added 13.
Taylor Baird also finished in double-digits with 10 points. Flores led the rebounding effort, completing a double-double, with 11 rebounds. Pana finished with eight points, four assists, two blocks, and two steals. The Wildcats finished with 30 points in the paint and 15 points off of turnovers.
The Wildcats are back in action at home on Tuesday (Nov. 20) to take on Eastern Oregon University. TIp-off is scheduled for 5:15 p.m.
