POMONA, Calif. (Dec. 15) -- The Central Washington University women's basketball team (6-2) fell, 81-77, to Cal Poly Pomona (7-1) in a non-conference matchup.
 
Central started the scoring out with a Kaelie Flores mid-range jump shot and gave the Wildcats their first lead of the game. Central went on to extend their lead after a Kassidy Malcolm bucket and a Taylor Shaw three. The Wildcats held their lead until the five-minute mark following a Bronco three. 
 
The teams traded buckets for the rest of the first quarter and went into the second quarter with a score of 27-24, in favor of the Broncos.
 
The second quarter followed closely to the first as the teams once again traded buckets until the six-minute mark when the Broncos began their run. With four minutes left in the second quarter, the Broncos held a 38-32 advantage after a free throw from Monica Todd. The Wildcats responded quickly with a couple of defensive stops and a couple of threes from Alexis Pana and Malcolm. 
 
The two teams went into the half after a buzzer beating put back from freshman Samantha Bowman to pull within two, 44-42. 
 
"I am extremely proud of our team's effort and how we responded to Pomona's runs," CWU Head Coach Randi Richardson-Thornley said. "However, we have to do a better job at minimizing our controllable mistakes such as taking care of the ball, boxing out, and knocking down free throws." 
 
The Wildcats came out of the half ready to go. Yet again Central was the first to score, as Pana drained a three. The Broncos responded quickly and regained their lead. They didn't look back the rest of the game and held on for an 81-77 victory.
 
"Today was a battle and in those types of games the difference between a win and a loss always comes back to the little things," Richardson-Thornley added.  "We took a step forward in many ways today, but we still have much to improve upon moving forward."
 
Alexis Pana lead the offensive charge with 19 points, 7 assists, and 4 rebounds. Flores also had a great game with 18 points and 9 rebounds. The Crimson and Black scored 20 second chance points, 48 points in the paint, and the reserves chipped in for 12 points.
 
The Wildcats will spend the weekend in California and take on California State Dominguez Hills on Monday December 17, at 5:00 p.m.