By Lindsey Allen |Staff Writer|
Despite their best efforts, the CSUSB women’s basketball team suffered two losses on Nov. 23 and 25.
The Coyotes played University of Tampa Nov. 23 at the UC San Diego Tritons Tournament.
They managed to score an early lead in the game but the Tampa Spartans came back with a 17-2 run over a seven-minute span in the first half.
Tampa maintained a lead throughout the majority of the second half, and in the final seven minutes of the game brought their lead up by 22 points.
The Coyotes still managed to have some impressive moments in the game, with freshman point guard Alexcia Mack scoring 13 points and Oorreah Joice adding 10. Mack hit five of 10 shots, five rebounds with two assists and a steal in 31 minutes.
“Mack had a good tournament in San Diego,” said head coach Kevin Becker.
Freshman guard Jenna Klein scored two consecutive 3-pointers in the second half, and freshman guard Adriana Brodie led the team with seven rebounds.
Although the Coyotes showed strength, Tampa prevailed with the final score of 62-49.
The Nov. 25 game against Azusa Pacific proved to be a great game for Mack as well, who scored 15 points followed by junior guard/forward Trinidee Trice who scored 14.
Sophomore Alisa Green scored eight and Jaslyn Cosey had six.
The Coyotes and Azusa were tied 30-30 at halftime and with 17:10 remaining Cosey brought it up to a tie again at 34-34.
Shortly after, however, Azusa scored a three-pointer which triggered a 21-6 run over the next seven minutes and they kept the lead to win the game.
The final score was Azusa 69, Coyotes 55.
Coach Becker said of both games, “[In the game] vs. Tampa, the team did not make the adjustments defensively against a very good team. Versus Azusa our starters got off to a slow start [behind 13-2], before the substitutes came in to tie the game up at 30-30 at halftime. The Coyotes did not shoot real well either night.”
When asked how he plans to prepare the Coyotes for their next game, Becker said “To improve this weekend we need to sustain a better effort on defense, rebounding, and a consistent offensive production (especially the returners with experience).”
Coyote’s senior forward Kristen Huffman said about the weekend games overall, “We’re just a new team trying to get a feel for one another. We suffered two losses, but we plan on pulling it together and opening at home our next game.”
The Coyotes will play again Sunday, Dec. 16 at the CSUSB Coussoulis Arena, against UC San Diego.
Based on Coach Becker’s motivation and the players’ enthusiasm, the team will undoubtedly work hard to come back on a winning note.