December 22, 2009
San Bernardino, CA – Dara Zack had a game-high 25 points for Saint Martin’s but it wasn’t enough as Cal State San Bernardino picked up the 63-53 victory Tuesday night in a non-conference game at Coussoulis Arena.
The Coyotes halted SMU’s perimeter game. The Saints, who came into the game shooting 48 percent from the three-point line, were just one of eight from behind the arc against the tough San Bernardino defense.
Saint Martin’s held a 19-16 lead with eight minutes to play in the first half but back-to-back baskets by the Coyotes gave them the 20-19 advantage. Zack tied it 23-23 on a pair of free throws. CSUSB used a 6-1 run at the end of the half to take a 29-24 lead into the break.
San Bernardino built their lead to as much as 13, 53-40, at the 7:38 mark. The Saints closed it to six at 55-49 on a free throw by Zack with 2:45 left but a layup and two made free throws by the Coyotes sealed the win.
Zack was nine of 14 from the field and seven of 10 from the line while pulling down six rebounds. Krissy Bassett added 16 points with five boards for the Saints, who outrebounded the Coyotes 31-25.
CSUSB was led by Krystal Urzua with 15 points and five assists. Kymberly Ooten came off the bench to score 14 points.
The Saints, who drop to 6-4 on the season, will remain in California to face Cal State Dominguez Hills on Wednesday before returning home.