Dec. 11, 2009
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Cal State Bakersfield overcame a 20-rebound effort from Lena Gipson and a 20-point night from Santa Clara freshman guard Meagan Fulps to beat the Broncos 78-76 at the Leavey Center.
Tamiko Davis banked-in a layup with two seconds left, allowing Cal State Bakersfield (4-4) to hold on for the win. The Roadrunners had trailed by nine in the first half but rallied to lead by six with 4:34 to play.
It was the second straight buzzer-beating loss for Santa Clara (1-7), who allowed South Dakota to score on its last possession Sunday.
"We are playing so hard," said second-year Santa Clara head coach Jennifer Mountain. "But it's not always about playing hard. It's about playing smart. They made a play at the end of the game that we didn't react to."
SCU senior Maggie Goldenberger made a jump shot from the top of the key with 18 seconds remaining to tie it at 76. Bakersfield responded on the other end with a high pick and roll with Tiffany Belt finding a rolling Davis wide open under the basket.
"We have been in so many close games like this," said Gipson, who matched a career-high with 20 rebounds - just three shy of the school record. "It's frustrating because we know we can turn the corner, win close games. We are right there we just need to reach out and take it."
Gipson scored 14 points to go along with her 20 boards. Fulps had a team-high 20 points, creating opportunities driving to the basket. Alyssa Shoji added 14 making three 3s in the first half.
Despite 18 first-half points by Katie Williams, the Broncos built-up a 23-14 advantage with 8:49 left before the break. Williams - who averages 22.5 points per game - finished with 23 and backcourt teammate Phynique Allen had 22.
"We are not going to face more athletic guards than we did in those two tonight," said Mountain.
Williams made eight of her first 12 shots and Allen picked up the scoring load late by scoring 14 in the second half.
Santa Clara plays at the University of the Pacific on Sunday prior to traveling for games against the University of Minnesota, Wednesday, December 16 and at Boise State, Saturday, December 19.