Jan. 7, 2006

Box Score

Stockton, Calif. - The Pacific women's basketball team fell to UC Riverside, 74-64, on Saturday, January 7, on the road at the UCR Student Recreation Center. With the loss the Tigers dropped to 1-1 in conference play and 4-9 on the season while the Highlanders improved to 1-2 in Big West play and 4-8 overall.

The Tigers were unable to overcome their own mistakes throughout the contest, turning the ball over 33 times, leading to 32 points for UC Riverside. The Highlanders also controlled the paint as UC Riverside outscored the Tigers 34-16 in the paint

The game saw a series of scoring runs by both teams as the Tigers led by as many as 11 points in the first half at 23-12. UC Riverside, meanwhile, held an 11-point advantage at 52-41 during the second half.

Pacific came charging back from its 11 point deficit with a 14-2 run to take the lead at 55-54 with just under eight minutes to play. Sophomore Kelsey Lavender (Lake Oswego, Ore.) and freshman Renee Roberts (Lodi, Calif.) led the Pacific comeback as the duo scored 12 of the Tigers' 14 points.

UC Riverside, however, delivered the final scoring surge, outscoring Pacific 17-7 in the final 6:14 of the game.

The first half witnessed the Tigers explode out offensively, producing their own 11 point lead. However, the Tigers gave up eight unanswered points that saw the Highlanders climb back into the game. In the first half, the Tigers shot an impressive 63.2% from the field and 66.7% from behind the arc.

Lavender had a career night, scoring 22 points including three three-pointers. Freshman Renee Roberts (Lodi, Calif.) continued to impress, notching career-high 16 points including four from behind the arc. Roberts was a perfect 5-of-5 from the field before missing her final three shots. Senior Carolina Ruiz (Paradise, Calif.) also had 15 points and eight rebounds.

The Highlanders had four players hit double figures led by Roney Friend with 19 points. Tainoisouti Lott added 16 while Amber Cox and Seyram Gbewonyo each tallied 12 points. Lott finished the night with a perfect mark from the line, 8-of-8.

The Tigers will next be in action on Monday, January 9, as they travel to Cal State Fullerton to take on the Titans. Game time is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.