LA JOLLA, Calif. ? The 14th-ranked UC San Diego women's basketball team cruised to an 86-47 victory over an undermanned Cal State L.A. squad on Saturday night in RIMAC Arena. With the victory the Tritons improve to 19-4 overall and 15-3 in CCAA play while dropping the Golden Eagles to 3-20 overall and 1-17 in league action.
One night after having their eight-game win streak snapped by Cal State Bakersfield, the Tritons jumped out to an early 8-0 lead and never looked back, leading by 21 at halftime and extending that advantage to as many as 41 in the second half. The Tritons played 14 of the 16 players they suited up in the contest while the Golden Eagles, due to injuries and other circumstances, suited up and played only six student-athletes.
UCSD connected on 33 of its 62 shots from the floor, including an 11-for-16 night from behind the 3-point arc. The Tritons held a 41-27 advantage on the boards and forced 22 CSULA turnovers while committing only 14 themselves.
Of the Tritons' 33 made shots on the night, 27 came by way of assist. Kacie Kostlan dished out a game-high five assists for the Tritons to go along with her game-high four steals. Leora Juster and Marla Mason each handed out four assists while six other Tritons dished out two apiece.
Juster led all scorers on the night, pouring in 23 points on 8 of 11 shooting that included a perfect 4-for-4 night from long range. She also had three steals in the win. Michelle Osier added a 16-point, 12-rebound double-double while Meaghan Noud chipped in with 15 points.
Rachel Ottovich had 13 points to lead Cal State L.A. while Amber Todd and Amber Whittington chipped in 12 points apiece. Regina Baucum scored four points and pulled down a team-high nine rebounds.
Head coach Janell Jones' squad returns to action next weekend, traveling to Cal Poly Pomona on Friday night and to Cal State San Bernardino Saturday evening. Both games are slated for 5:30 p.m. starts.
