Toros Women Lose Heartbreaker to Golden Eagles
CSUDH is just shy at the buzzer, loses CCAA matchup to crosstown rival CSLA
January 26, 2002

Complete Box Score

CARSON, Calif.- The Cal State Dominguez Hills women's basketball team was looking to avenge a 20 point loss to Cal State LA last Wednesday night . Tonight, as the two teams met once again for the second time in four days, the Toros were a point shy, losing the CCAA contest 75-74.

The first half was an equal battle. Each team was consistent from the floor, shooting in the 40% range, each team had one player in double-figures, and each team nailed two apiece from long range. In the first twenty, CSLA was 12 of 25 (48%) from the floor, while CSUDH was 14 of 34 (41%) from the field. CSLA's Darlene Nunez led all players with 12 points, while CSUDH's Kendra Tease, was close behind with ten in the first half.

Cal State Dominguez led almost the entire first half, until CSLA's Kelli Kobayashi nailed a three-pointer with 1:07 remaining to give the Golden Eagles a 35-33 lead. CSUDH's Tracee Lewis would answer, making a short jumper to bring the teams into the locker room at 35-35 tie.

The second half looked like it would be all CSUDH. The Golden Eagles made the first shot in the second half to take a two point lead, but the Toros were consistent after that point, connecting on most of their attempts. CSUDH kept up the pace for 12 minutes, until the Golden Eagles went on a 24-10 run to take a 75-71 lead with six ticks remaining. A made free throw by Monica Tokoro put the Golden Eagles ahead by four. But in a last ditch effort, CSUDH's Fercia Rambacal threw up a desperation halfcourt that bounced off the glass and into the net, to give the fans something to get excited about but the Toros a heartbreaking one point loss.

CSLA was led by Nunez who tallied a game-high 20 points. Kobayashi added 16 for the Golden Eagles, she hit four three pointers on the night, including two in the last eight minutes of play. Jurate Orinaite also stepped up for CSLA tonight, collecting nine blocks, she also added 16 points to the CSLA scoring drive.

CSUDH was led by Tease who had 19 points and Lewis who added 12. A bright spot for CSUDH tonight was the rebounding of Nakeisha Perkins. Perkins pulled down a game-high 15 boards to help the Toros dominate in that statistical category 47-34.

The Toros fell to 5-11 on the season and 3-9 in CCAA action.