NAMPA, Id. – The Central Washington University women's basketball left the NNU Classic with a 2-0 record on the season after Saturday's 86-62 win over Stanislaus State. Asher Cai led the Wildcats offensively, shooting 9-15 from the field and 6-11 from beyond the three for 24 points in the contest.
 
"We accomplished this weekend what we needed [to accomplish]" Head Coach Randi Richardson-Thornley stated.
 
The 'Cats went 51.6% field goal and a 51.9% from beyond the three-point line. The Wildcats also went 8-10 from the line for an 80% free throw percentage.
 
"I'm happy with how we responded today and came out with some confidence on offense" said Richardson-Thornley. "It feels good to leave Nampa with two west region wins along with a great idea of how we need to improve heading into next weekend."
 
CWU's Ashley Schow was also impressive going 8-11 from the field adding 17 points for the Wildcats. Samantha Bowman logged another double-double (13 rebounds, 11 points).
 
Claire Heitschmidt worked the backboard and finished with eight rebounds for the Wildcats. Valerie Huerta got the rock moving, racking up seven assists on the day.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Wildcats came out of the tip-off ready, finishing the first quarter with 30 points. The 'Cats were 8-10 from the three and 11-15 from the field. Stanislaus State could not seem to get anything going finishing with a 26.67% from the field and 33.33% from the three. Getting 24 of 30 points from the three, the Wildcats were relentless from deep.
 
Heading into the second quarter up 30-12, the 'Cats let off the gas cutting their 1^st quarter dominance in half. The Wildcats drop to 40% from the three only putting up only five shots from deep in the quarter. 47- 30 in favor of the 'Cats heading into halftime where CWU looks to come back with dominance to start the third.
 
Out of the break the Wildcats strike hot again holding the Warriors to only 11 points in the third. Putting up 23 points themselves, the 'Cats jump out to a 70- 41 lead going into the fourth and final quarter. CWU finishes 8-17 from the field and 5-6 from the free throw line, adding another two threes.
 
Despite being outscored in the fourth, the 'Cats held on to win 86-62, putting up 16 points to seal the deal. CWU finished the day 32-62 from the field, 14-27 from beyond the arc, and 8-10 from the line. 32 points came from inside the paint and 15 points came off second chance. The 'Cats started out strong and finished dominantly never giving up the lead for the entirety of the game.
 
UP NEXT
The Wildcats will head to Salt Lake City, Utah next weekend and are slated to face Metro State on Friday Nov. 18^th at 2:00 p.m, and Westminster College Saturday on Nov. 19^th at 4:00 p.m.