Women's basketball clutches come-from-behind victory

ORANGE, Calif — Women's basketball got a much needed victory on Saturday, taking down Occidental 67-64 in come-from-behind fashion.

Julia Strand continues to dominate, scoring 31 on the night, marking the third game her last five scoring 31, and fourth time scoring 29 or more. She's averaging 27.4 points per game in the stretch.

Chapman trailed by 11 at one point in the contest, midway through the second quarter, but was able to cut that deficit to eight heading into the break. Strand scored 22 of her 31 in the first half.

Occidental controlled the game, keeping the score around five for the majority of the second half. The Panthers would not give in, however, as they rattled off a 15-4 run to close out the game.

Chapman tied the game with :51 seconds to go, and needed a clutch defensive stop at an opportunity to win, that is just what they got. A great contest on a layup from Sammie Inana and a rebound gave the Panthers the ball with time for one last possession.

Katie Kubo took the ball at the top of the key, held it, and took to the lane with seven seconds to go. She was fouled and with Chapman in the bonus meant two big free throws. Kubo sank the first and missed the second, but again a huge rebound from Inana, a foul, and two free throws iced the game.

Chapman improved to 7-9 on the season and 2-6 in SCIAC play with the win. Next up for the Panthers is a home game against Caltech next Saturday, Jan. 21.

By Joe Perrino

Assistant SID / Recreation Sports Manager

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