FULLERTON, Calif. – Seattle University women's basketball could not rally from a third-quarter deficit at Cal State Fullerton, as the Titans came away with a 81-63 decision Sunday afternoon at Titan Gym. Kamira Sanders led the Redhawks (6-7) with 18 points in the non-conference finale.
"I felt that Fullerton was more ready to play today," said Coach Suzy Barcomb. "We struggled with our transition defense. In order for us to win games on the road, everyone has to contribute."
Joana Alves swished a turnaround jumper to start scoring on Sunday. A pair of Sanders layups gave SU an early 6-2 lead, and after a Titan hoop, Georgia Kehoe provided a lay-in with 6:22 mark. Alves assisted on an Olivia Crawford trey midway through the frame. Crawford followed with a baseline drive and score and then sank the ensuing foul shot for a three-point play and a 14-8 cushion with 3:41 remaining in the quarter. The hosts closed the period on a 13-1 run, however, taking a six-point margin into the second frame.
The Redhawks bounced back quickly, as Crawford and Sanders each scored to open the next quarter. McKenzi Williams came in with a spark off the bench, setting up a Courtney Murphy triple and then driving and scoring twice for a 26-23 advantage with 5:16 left in the half. A Kehoe basket and two Sanders free throws put the visitors ahead, 31-29, late in the period, but again, the Titans had the closing kick and took a 38-33 difference through 20 minutes of play.
Fullerton used a 24-14 third period to pull away. A Sanders trey and an Alves hoop kept SU close briefly, but the hosts ran the floor well and gained control as the quarter rolled on. Sanders worked to get Seattle U back in it, and the Redhawks got within 64-54 with 6:24 remaining, but the Titans hit several key shots to hold off SU down the stretch.
Sanders scored 18 points to go with four rebounds. Crawford and Alves put up 12 points and six boards apiece.
The Redhawks will begin Western Athletic Conference action on Thursday, as Kansas City visits the Redhawk Center. Tip-off is slated for 6 p.m.
"I felt that Fullerton was more ready to play today," said Coach Suzy Barcomb. "We struggled with our transition defense. In order for us to win games on the road, everyone has to contribute."
Joana Alves swished a turnaround jumper to start scoring on Sunday. A pair of Sanders layups gave SU an early 6-2 lead, and after a Titan hoop, Georgia Kehoe provided a lay-in with 6:22 mark. Alves assisted on an Olivia Crawford trey midway through the frame. Crawford followed with a baseline drive and score and then sank the ensuing foul shot for a three-point play and a 14-8 cushion with 3:41 remaining in the quarter. The hosts closed the period on a 13-1 run, however, taking a six-point margin into the second frame.
The Redhawks bounced back quickly, as Crawford and Sanders each scored to open the next quarter. McKenzi Williams came in with a spark off the bench, setting up a Courtney Murphy triple and then driving and scoring twice for a 26-23 advantage with 5:16 left in the half. A Kehoe basket and two Sanders free throws put the visitors ahead, 31-29, late in the period, but again, the Titans had the closing kick and took a 38-33 difference through 20 minutes of play.
Fullerton used a 24-14 third period to pull away. A Sanders trey and an Alves hoop kept SU close briefly, but the hosts ran the floor well and gained control as the quarter rolled on. Sanders worked to get Seattle U back in it, and the Redhawks got within 64-54 with 6:24 remaining, but the Titans hit several key shots to hold off SU down the stretch.
Sanders scored 18 points to go with four rebounds. Crawford and Alves put up 12 points and six boards apiece.
The Redhawks will begin Western Athletic Conference action on Thursday, as Kansas City visits the Redhawk Center. Tip-off is slated for 6 p.m.