NORTHRIDGE, Calif. - Playing on the road for the first time in 2018-19, Washington State women's basketball (1-4) fell to CSUN (2-3) at the Matadors' own Warner Center Marriot Thanksgiving Basketball Classic Friday night. Behind a 12-2 run to start the fourth quarter, the Matadors broke open what was a one-point contest heading into the final frame to win take their home opener against the Cougars. Prior to the run, the Cougars had their chances to put the host team away early, building a lead as large as 14 points early in the second quarter thanks to the sharp-shooting of
Chanelle Molina and
Alexys Swedlund, who eventually combined for 33 of WSU's 52 overall points. Despite the early fireworks, the Cougars could not take advantage of their early advantages as a handful of mistakes let the Matadors creep back into the game to pull within four as the two teams went into the halftime break. In the second half, the Matadors would press their own advantage on the offensive glass, outscoring WSU 15-2 in second-chance points. In the fourth, the Matadors found their groove hitting 8-of-10 from the floor with 10 points coming in the paint and six off of Cougar turnovers.
Moments of the Game
Things You Need To Know
- The Cougs fell for the first time in four games to CSUN in the first game between the two at Northridge.
- WSU finished the game outshooting the Matadors 39.7% (23-of-58) to 38.9% (28-of-72).
- Chanelle Molina led the Cougars with 20 points, her second 20-point effort of the season and fourth-straight game in double-figures. She also added seven assists and tied her career-high of seven rebounds.
- Alexys Swedlund finished her night with 13 points while Borislava Hristova added 12 points for her fifth-straight game in double-figures to begin the season.
- The Matadors were led by Channon Fluker's 24 points and 14 rebounds, her 59th career double-double. Serifina Maulupe added 13 points.
- WSU finishes play at the Warner Center Marriot Thanksgiving Basketball Classic hosted by CSUNÂ Saturday, Nov. 24. The Cougars take on Jacksonville State in the consolation game at 3:30 p.m.