Cougars lost a close game in the final seconds, 72-73, against CETYS Universidad Mexicali in an exhibition game on Feb. 3.

At 5:30 p.m. in the Sports Center, the Cougars began the heated game against the Zorros.

The game was back and forth with the Zorros only gaining a 1-point lead throughout the first half.

The first half ended with a tie 32-32, and the crowd was on edge the entire time.

The second half was an entirely different game for both teams; the energy picked up as well as the rivalry between the Cougars and Zorros.

The Cougars gained a foothold with a 4-point lead; however, the Zorros quickly came back.

In the last five minutes, a heated argument broke out between the Zorros and the referees, delaying the game with many timeouts.

In the last five seconds, the Zorros were in the lead by four points, and guard, Ashley Jenkins, shot a 3-pointer ending the game 72-73.

Forward Monica Friedl led the team with 27 points and 14 rebounds; Jenkins contributed 15 points and seven assists.

“This is part of the growing pains of a young and inexperienced team is being able to bring it every night regardless of who we are playing…just trying to get better every game,” said Coach Renee Jimenez.

Coach Jimenez did not make players available for interviews following the game; however, Assistant Coach Dario Frias added:

“We just got to keep learning and come back to practice Monday and prepare for our conference game this Thursday.”

The Cougars have six more games left in the season; their next home game will be against Cal State Monterey Bay on Feb. 16 at 5:30 p.m. in the Sports Center.