The CSUSM women’s basketball team held off Chico State in a close homecoming game winning 63-61.

The Dec. 3rd game at the Sport’s Center improved the Cougars’ overall record to 4-3 and 2-1 in California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA).

The Cougars started the game off strong, ending the first quarter, 21-15. However, the Wildcats stepped it up and quickly began to catch up. They would have ended the second quarter in a tie if it weren’t for guard Natalie Delgado, who sunk a three-pointer in the last eight seconds, giving the Cougars a lead.

Senior guard Ashley Jenkins had a total of 13 points, seven rebounds, six assists and four steals. Jenkins said the team looked forward to playing the Wildcats.

“The team was really excited to get out there and play after two hard days of focusing on Chico. We were ready to bounce back and get a win.”

The Cougars let up a bit, giving the Wildcats a chance to tie up the game with constant back and forth shots. However, junior guard Raegan Lillie made a free throw, giving the Cougars a lead they wouldn’t give up the rest of the game.

“It felt really good to be able to focus on finishing at the rim, but felt even better to be able to win as a team and celebrate the effort we put out with a win at home,” said Lillie, who led the team in points with a total of fourteen this game.  

As the clocked ticked down, the Cougars didn’t let up. When the buzzer went off, the Sports Center flooded with applause and cheers.

The women’s basketball team’s next game is against Cal Poly Pomona at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 10 at Pomona.