HAYWARD – Leading 34-31 at the break after a thrilling first half the SF State women's basketball team could not reignite the burners after the intermission. Cal State East Bay raced out to an 11-0 run in the second half and eventually put the Gators away 67-55 Saturday night at Pioneer Gymnasium.
Three players scored in double figures for SF State (0-20/0-16 CCAA) led by
Jasmine Flanagan's game-high 16 points. Flanagan was a spark for the Gators in the opening half. Scoring 14 points in the opening period, including a three point bucket just before the buzzer to give the Gators a halftime lead.
Joining Flanagan in double figures was fellow guard
Brittaney Allison who had a tremendous night, scoring 12 points while dishing out six assists.
Michelle Sutton also scored in double figures, finishing the night with 11.
The Gators offense did a good job early of keeping themselves in the game, relying on short range, high percentage shots. SF State scored 12 points in the paint in the opening half. With 8:55 in the first, the Gators trailed the Pioneers (14-8/9-7 CCAA) by seven, down 21-14.
Over the final eight minutes the Gators got hot. Allison got the scoring going hitting the first three pointer of the night for the Gators, who opened the game 1-for-5 from distance. From there the Gators went on a 14-1 run.
SF State took the lead on a three point bucket from senior
Leticia Galarza, Allison added hitting another three point bucket the very next possession. Towards the end of the half the Gators slim six point lead was quickly erased by the Pioneers' Laci Effenberger who hit two consecutive three point baskets. With the score tied 31-31 Allison found Flanagan on the wing who buried a three giving the Gators a three point cushion.
In the opening period the Gators offense was very economical shooting 48.1 percent going 13-for-27 from the floor. From three point range the Gators connected on 41.7 percent of their shots going 5-for-12. SF State also took advantage of the Pioneers miscues, scoring nine points off of eight CSUEB turnovers.
In the second half however the Pioneers took control out of the gate. CSUEB scored 11 unanswered points before Allison scored two points on a layup. The Pioneers extended their lead further going on a 17-2 run, eventually going up as big as 23 with 8:34 in the game.
Over the final 10 minutes the Gators offense came back to life but it was too late. After being held to four points through most of the second half SF State finished the second period with 21 points to cut the lead to 12.
The Gators return to action next Friday, February 13 when SF State hosts UC San Diego. Tip-off for that game is at 5:30 p.m., the game will be televised regionally by Comcast Hometown Network. Fans are encouraged to wear gold for that game as it is being dubbed the "Gold Rush."
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Gator Athletics has a proud tradition of competitive success within the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The department offers 12 intercollegiate sports programs: Baseball, Men's and Women's Basketball, Men's and Women's Cross Country, Men's and Women's Soccer, Softball, Women's Track & Field, Women's Volleyball and Men's Wrestling.Gator Athletics places great emphasis on academic performance as well as athletic achievement. The program offers student athletes the opportunity to reach their educational goals, as well pursue meaningful athletic accomplishments. For more information, visit SF State Athletics' website, Twitter and Facebook pages.
