Toros End Losing Streak, Pick Up 55-54 Victory over CSUSB
Fercia Rambacal drives the length of the floor to put in the winning shot
February 9, 2002

Complete Box Score

CARSON, Calif.- The CS Dominguez Hills women's basketball team was in desperate need of a win tonight over the visiting Coyotes of CS San Bernardino. The Toros have lost seven straight, and have not posted a win since the beginning of January. But tonight, behind the drive of senior Fercia Rambacal, the Toros were able to do so, posting a thrilling 55-54 win over CSUSB.

The first half got off to a slow start. The Toros hit the 20 point mark first, but that was not until there was 6:06 remaining when a made two pointer by senior Christina Tucker put the Toros ahead by eight, 20-12. In fact, the Toros led the entire first half, gaining a ten point spread with 5:30 remaining.

CSUDH connected on 38% of their shots from the floor in the first, making 12 hoops, while CSUSB only converted on 9 of 22 from the floor. CSUDH dominated the boards in the first, outrebounding CSUSB 22-14.

Fercia Rambacal paced the Toros offense in the first half, leading her team with eight points. Tucker was not far behind with seven. In fact, Tucker hit the Toros only three pointer of the first 20, as she drained one from long range with 1:42 remaining. A made lay-up would bring the Toros into the locker room with a 28-25 lead.

In the second 20, the Coyotes came out with more intensity. At the 16:05 mark, they were able to take a 32-31 lead off a bucket by Trisha Raniewicz. As the Toros saw their chances for the win slipping away they stepped up their game, going on an 11-0 run from 15:13 to 10:03. The Coyotes began to battle back, this time giving CSUDH a taste of their own medicine going on a 15-5 run to tie the game at 48. After that it was anyone's game.

In the last two minutes of play there were three tied scores as each team would take the lead by one at the line. A made two pointer by Michelle Mendelsen would put CSUSB ahead by one at 54-53 with 11 ticks remaining. CSUDH called a quick timeout and started on the baseline, having 11 seconds to drive the ball in for the win. They gave the ball to one of their top ballhandlers in Rambacal. Rambacal drove down the left side of the court and put up an unbalanced shot that saw net. The Coyotes had 2.2 ticks left, but a broken up pass at the buzzer by redshirt freshman Octavia Askew stopped the Toros longest losing streak of the season as they posted the 55-54 win.

The Coyotes were led by Sharee Brown who had a game-high 17 points. Angela Garrett and Trisha Raniewicz added 11 points apiece to the CSUSB scoring.

The Toros also had three players score in double figures. They were led on the evening by Rambacal who finished with a team-high 13. Nakeisha Perkins added 12, while Tucker rounded out the Toros scoring in double figures with 10.

CSUDH moves to 6-14 overall and 4-12 in CCAA action. They will return to the court next week when they travel to take on UC San Diego and Grand Canyon University.