Cal State Fullerton
Cal Poly Wins Fifth Straight Home Game, 51-46 Over Cal State Fullerton
1/16/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — Hannah Gilbert and Lisa Marie Sanchez each scored 12 points Saturday evening to lead the Cal Poly women's basketball team to a 51-46 Big West Conference victory over Cal State Fullerton, running the Mustangs' home winning streak to five.
The Titans led 11-9 after the first quarter inside Mott Athletics Center, and took their largest first-half lead at 18-12 on a Lauren Nubla layup with 7:37 remaining until the break.
An 8-0 Mustang run, however, put Cal Poly up 22-20 on the way to a 26-24 lead at halftime. A 6-for-6 first-half performance at the free-throw line helped Cal Poly pull in front.
Fullerton got off to a hot start in the third quarter, though, hitting its first four shots en route to a 37-30 advantage (CSF's largest of the night) with 5:12 to go in the period.
But the Mustangs (9-7, 2-1) quickly responded again — this time with an 11-0 surge to go ahead 41-37 at the 1:27 mark.
Then with 7:09 to play, a crucial 3-pointer by Sanchez provided Cal Poly its largest lead of the game, 47-39. CSF was held without a field goal for a stretch of 8:41 during the pivotal 17-2 run.
The Mustangs benefited from a 21-6 advantage in points off of turnovers, as well as turning it over only 10 times themselves (equaling a season low).
Gilbert finished 5-for-8 from the floor, and grabbed a team-high seven rebounds as well. It was the sixth consecutive 10-point game for the junior forward, and the 28th of her career.
Sanchez, a senior point guard, went 4-for-8 during her third game in a row scoring in double figures.
Sophomore guard Gabby Grupalo had a career-high four steals in the win.
Cal Poly's three-game home stand will resume at 7 p.m. Thursday against CSUN (2-13, 0-1).
Photos © Ray Ambler
