Off and running: CSUB women's athleticism evident in exhibition
| Monday, Nov 09 2009 10:10 PM
Last Updated Tuesday, Nov 10 2009 10:00 PM
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Michael Fagans / The Californian CSUB's Tiffany Belt brings the ball up the court after making the steal from Fresno Pacific's Patrice Saindon during the first half of their game opening night at the Icardo Center at CSUB on Monday night.
Michael Fagans / The Californian CSUB's Tiffany Belt, left, and Amber Williams tie up Fresno Pacific's Jessica Torrecillas as Shawnee Carter comes up to help and teammate Phynique Allen signals jump ball to the officials from a prone position on the floor during the first half of their game at the Icardo Center on Monday night in Bakersfield.
The preseason word about Cal State Bakersfield women's basketball was an abundance of talented guards would be the Roadrunners' strength.
That was affirmed in Monday's 87-46 exhibition win over Fresno Pacific in the Icardo Center.
Fresno Pacific, a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics team, was no match for the faster and more athletic Roadrunners.
"We had three things we wanted tonight," said CSUB coach Tim La Kose. "The first goal was to win, then do well team-wise. And the third thing was to determine the areas we need to improve on as we play at the Division I level."
Winning was never a question. CSUB never trailed and led 42-17 at halftime. The Roadrunners then outscored the Sunbirds 29-8 in the first eight minutes of the second half to build a 71-25 lead.
The quick guard play caused 34 Sunbird turnovers with 20 steals, many converted into breakaway layups.
"We know we have a lot of athleticism in our guards," said senior Phynique Allen, who had 13 points with a game-high six assists and five steals. "Our newcomers are as athletic as us."
CSUB had five players score in double figures. In addition to Allen, senior guard Katie Williams had 15 points, freshman guard Amber Williams had 14, senior guard Tiffany Belt and junior forward Tamiko Davis had 12 points each.
"It's great just playing," said Williams. "We have a lot of enthusiasm."
Senior guard Kelley Tarver made her return, playing her first game since a severe right knee injury last December. She had three points, five assists and four rebounds.
"It was exciting, the moment I've been working for," Tarver said.
She said her knee had some soreness, but no major problems. "A little tender and sore here and there," she said.
As an NCAA member, this game and none of the statistics count toward CSUB's season totals. But it does count for Fresno Pacific because it's an NAIA school. The Sunbirds are 0-4.
CSUB's official season-opener is Friday against Montana State, a 4:30 p.m. game at Rabobank Arena prior to the CSUB men's opener vs. Santa Clara.
