Ellensburg, Wash. (Nov 17) – The Central Washington University women's basketball team (4-0) handily defeated Cal State San Bernardino (1-3), 80-48. Tonight's matchup was against California State, San Bernardino (1-3).
 
"Our kids are really trusting each other," CWU Head Coach Randi Richardson-Thornley said afterward.  "They trust our offense and structure.  They aren't trying to force plays or over penetrate, they're sharing the ball.  We knew tonight we needed to control the tempo and value possessions.  We talked about containing drivers, knowing shooters, protecting the paint, and forcing them to take hard shots."
 
Central came out of the gate hot going on a 22-8 run to begin the game. After a jumper from San Bernardino's Leaundra Walker-Brown, Kaelie Flores started the Central scoring with a three from the top of the key to give the Wildcats a 3-2 lead. The Wildcats held the lead all the way through the first half increasing their lead to 23 points. Taylor Shaw led all scorers with 13 in the first half going five of eight from the field and three of four from behind the line.
 
The Wildcats had the lead going into halftime by a score of 44 to 21. Samantha Bowman led all rebounders collecting eight off the glass in the first half. Kassidy Malcolm had ten first half points, along with six rebounds as well as an assist.
 
The Wildcats came out of the half and picked up right where they left off. After two quick easy lay-ins, Central continued their dominance. The Crimson and Black got a couple of stops on the defensive side of the ball which included four forced turnovers in the third quarter alone. Central had 32 points in the paint after three quarters of play as well as the lead by a score of 67-41.
 
The Wildcats assumed their largest lead of the night three minutes into the fourth quarter.  Brianna Phiakhamngon sank a three from the corner, extending the 'Cats lead to 74-41.
 
With just 1:08 left in regulation, Quinn Otteson made her first career basket after hauling in a pass from Phiakhamngon.
 
Samantha Bowman was a terror on the boards, grabbing 13 to go along with six points. Kassidy Malcolm was named player of the game tallying a double-double with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists.
 
Central scored 40 points in the paint, 12 points off turnovers, 34 points from the bench, and collected 10 second chance points.  The Crimson and Black held San Bernardino to just 22 points in the paint, one second chance point, four points off turnovers, and the Coyotes' bench chipped in 26 points.
 
The Wildcats finished with four players in double digits with Malcolm (16) at the front.  Shaw (13), Phiakhamngon (12), and Flores (11) also eclipsed 10 points. 
 
The Crimson and Black are back in action on Wednesday (Nov. 21) for a non-conference matchup against Holy Names University.  Tip-off is scheduled for 5:15 p.m.