struggled, but they know what it takes to win their
next game.
The CSU East Bay women’s basketball team lost on Saturday against University of San Diego, 61-50, falling to 3-6 in the conference and 5-8 overall.
The visiting UC San Diego Tritons improved to 7-3 in the California Collegiate Athletics Association behind a sensational night from the three-point arc, shooting 40 percent.
“We did not play well at all on Saturday night,” said coach Suzy Barcomb. “We were a step slow getting out on shooters and UCSD has too good of players to let that happen.”
The Pioneers turned up the defense in the second half, only allowing 22 points. Though they only scored 4 points in the paint on Saturday, the Pioneers feel that they are improving in that aspect.
“I think offensively our inside game has really improved,” said the teams leading scorer, Micah Walker, who is averaging 9.2 points a game. “Defensively, I think we improved in the second half and were able to limit the production of their key players, but dug ourselves too deep of a hole in the first to overcome the deficit.”
The team had little time to dwell on the loss, instead moving their eyes forward on this upcoming weekend’s big road trip.
This Thursday, the Pioneers women’s basketball team will leave for Turlock to face the California State University, Stanislaus Warriors for a Friday night contest. Shortly after, the team will head to Chico State (13-1) for a highly anticipated game the following against the Wildcats.
“Every weekend is important, no one game is less or more important than the other,” said Barcomb. “You play two games every weekend, two tough CCAA opponents and this weekend we are on the road. It will be a challenge.”
While it will be difficult, the Pioneers know what it takes to win.
“As a team it is important for us to value the basketball and be composed under pressure,” said Walker. “Stopping the ball and communicating in transition will also be key for this weekend. We want to go out and compete hard for 40 minutes.”
The Lady Pioneers have 13 CCAA games left on the schedule with a strong finish the playoffs could definitely be in sight.
The Pioneer’s next home game will take place on Feb. 1 against Sonoma State
