Women's Basketball
2/23/2008 - Hernandez Finishes off Mustangs
Fullerton, CA- Senior Cynthia Hernandez knocked down the game winning three pointer with a second to play as the Royals defeated the visiting Mustangs, 65-63.
The game that was close throughout featured 10 lead changes and 4 ties.
The Royals (16-13, 7-10 GSAC) opened the game with an 11-0 run on the strength of three 3 pointers. The Mustangs (18-8, 10-7 GSAC) quickly responded with 17-5 run to take their first lead of the night (17-16) which also included three 3 pointers. Those first 7 and half minutes of back and forth action set the tone for the rest of the night.
After starting the game bombing from the outside, The Master’s went to work inside the paint just halftime to take an 8 point lead (36-28) into the break. The eight points would be their largest lead of the night.
Senior Jasmine Nault struggled mightly from the floor (4-20) but still managed to pick up a double-double- her 11th of the season. She finished with a game high 18 points and 11 rebounds on the strength of 10-11 shooting from the free throw line.
Freshman Brittani Philbrook had another all an around strong showing with 17 points, a team high 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocks.
Junior Sarah Nylander chipped in with 13 points.
In the end, the night belonged to Hernandez. Prior to hitting the game winning three, she was 0-5 from the field. But nobody will remember that after she hit the three from straight away and left to a heroes welcome.
To no one’s surprise the Mustangs used a complete team effort and balanced attack to come within one shot of winning the game. They had five players finish in double figures.
Jenni Ritter and Annie Gillespie both finished with 12 points for the Mustangs. Gillespie also collected her 3rd double double of the season with a game high 12 rebounds.
Jennifer Ayers-Stamper knocked 11 points on 4-5 shooting from the field which included two 3 pointers.
Stacy Nanninga and Jenna Reed both finished with 10 points.
Though she went scoreless on the evening, Erica Inge was the catalyst for the Mustang’s offense as she picked up a game high 8 assists.
The win for the Royals gives them a stronger grip on the 7th seed for the post season GSAC tournament. They are two games up on the 8th and final spot with three regular season games to play. A win against Concordia, who is three games behind them, at home on Tuesday would cemet their entry into post season GSAC play. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 pm inside the Darling Pavilion.