COOLIDGE, Ariz. — The College of Southern Nevada women's basketball team led from start to finish and survived a frantic fourth-quarter rally to secure a 73–71 ACCAC road victory over Central Arizona College on Wednesday evening.
CSN controlled the opening quarter behind strong interior play and second-chance opportunities. Saroiya Ajomale and Trista Mabry helped set the tone early as the Lady Coyotes built a 20–14 lead after one period. CSN shot 38.1 percent in the quarter while limiting Central Arizona to 33.3 percent from the floor.
The Lady Coyotes extended their advantage in the second quarter with efficient offense and defensive pressure. Ajomale scored 11 points in the period, repeatedly attacking the rim and converting in traffic. CSN outscored Central Arizona 19–13 in the frame and carried a 39–27 lead into halftime.
CSN pushed its lead to a game-high 14 points early in the third quarter when Alanna Jackson converted inside at the 8:56 mark to make it 41–27. Jackson was dominant on the glass throughout the night, finishing with 13 rebounds to go along with 17 points. Despite the strong start to the half, Central Arizona responded with a 21-point third quarter, cutting the deficit to 54–48 heading into the final period.
The fourth quarter featured momentum swings and late-game pressure. CSN rebuilt its cushion to 12 points at 64–52 following a jumper from Satsuki Bradley with 6:17 remaining. However, Central Arizona mounted a determined comeback behind perimeter shooting from Ella Reisner, who finished with 24 points, including six three-pointers.
The Vaqueras trimmed the lead to two points with just over two minutes remaining, but CSN delivered in critical moments at the free-throw line. Ajomale went a perfect 6-for-6 from the stripe on the night and scored 11 fourth-quarter points. Bradley calmly knocked down two free throws with 14 seconds left to extend the lead to four.
Central Arizona converted in the final seconds, but the Lady Coyotes held on for the two-point road win.
Ajomale led all scorers with 30 points and added eight rebounds and two steals in 39 minutes of action. Jackson recorded a double-double with 17 points and 13 rebounds, while Mabry contributed 10 points and nine rebounds. CSN shot 40.0 percent (30-of-75) from the field and an efficient 91.7 percent (11-of-12) at the free-throw line. The Lady Coyotes also held a decisive 22–6 advantage in second-chance points and matched Central Arizona with 37 total rebounds.
The victory keeps CSN in the thick of ACCAC play as the regular season continues.
Up Next: The Lady Coyotes return home to host Cochise College on Friday, February 13, at the Coyote Event Center in North Las Vegas, Nev. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
For complete coverage of CSN Women's Basketball, visit www.csncoyotes.com.
