Toros Women Roll to First CCAA Win of the Season
Lewis leads CSUDH with 13 second-half points to victory over GCU
January 4, 2002

Complete Box Score

CARSON, Calif.- The Cal State Dominguez Hills women's basketball team picked up its second straight win and first CCAA victory of the season tonight, as they defeated the visiting Antelopes of Grand Canyon University 67-59.

The Toros dominated the contest from the beginning, scoring the first points off a layup by senior guard Tracee Lewis (St. Bernard's HS). The 'Lopes countered with a trey by LeAnne Rodrigues. That one point lead was the only lead that GCU would own the entire game. After that, it was all CSUDH.

The Toros dominated inside, pouring in 12 points from inside the paint in the half. Sophomore Monique Marquez (Eisenhower HS) drained a three to extend the lead to four, then junior Muneca Bush went to work, making three consecutive layups to build on that lead, 20-12. A layup by Marquez with 48 seconds remaining would secure the Toros 28-21 lead going into the locker room.

The second half was much of the same. Lewis, who was quiet with only three points in the first twenty minutes, came alive in the second half, scoring 13 points. She nailed two from downtown and was strong from the charity stripe connecting on three of four attempts.

The Toros built their largest lead of the game at 22 with 6:37 remaining. Grand Canyon used those final minutes to pick up their play, going on an seven point run in the final seconds of the contest.

The 'Lopes Elizabeth Watson stepped up in the second-half, scoring all of her 15 in the final twenty.

As a team, the Toros were led by Tracee Lewis who posted a game-high 17 points. Nakeisha Perkins (Grant HS) led the Toros on the boards again tonight. The junior forward picked up a game-high 12 rebounds, including 11 defensive grabs.

The Toros were 24 of 57 (42%) from the field, 4 of 16 (25%) from downtown, and 15 of 23 (65%) from the line. They grabbed 43 boards, two more than their opponents.

GCU was led on the night by Watson who finished with 15 points and nine rebounds, Leah Smith added ten to the 'Lopes scoring efforts. They were 17 of 58 (29%) from the field, 6 of 18 (33%) from three-point land and 19 of 27 (70%) from the line. They tallied 41 boards on the night.

The Toros picked up their first CCAA win with they victory tonight. CSUDH is now 3-6 overall and 1-4 in conference action. They will try to extend their winning streak as they host UC San Diego tomorrow night. First tip is slated for 5:30 p.m.