FULLERTON, Calif. - After trailing Southern Utah University by 14 points with 4:08 left in the third quarter, the Cal State Fullerton women's basketball team rallied for a huge comeback win over the Thunderbirds for a 71-69 win at Titan Gym on Tuesday night in their 2021-22 season opener.
The Titans (1-0) were led by freshman Lily Wahinekapu who had 20 points on 7-13 shooting including the game-winner with five seconds left in the game. Ashlee Lewis had 18 points and eight boards to also lead the Titans. Daylani Ballena led the Thunderbirds (0-1) with 16 points.
LILY WAHINEKAPU!!!!! Titans have the lead #TusksUp pic.twitter.com/xux7UBozKl
— Titans Women's Basketball (@FullertonWBB) November 10, 2021
The Titans shot poorly in the first half which led to a 36-27 Southern Utah lead at the half. The Thunderbirds were able to increase their lead to 14 points with 4:08 left in the third quarter after a three-pointer by Cherita Daughtery. The Titans were able to finish off the third quarter on a 13-4 run and made it only a 5-point Thunderbirds lead heading into the 4th quarter.
Southern Utah led by seven points with 6:17 to play in the game. The Titans were able to chip away at the lead after three consecutive baskets from Ashlee Lewis to make it a 2-point game at 65-63. Cal State Fullerton took the lead after Una Jovanovic found Carolyn Gill in the corner for a three-pointer to give the Titans a 66-65 lead.
Carolyn Gill for THREE! Fullerton takes the lead!!! #TusksUp pic.twitter.com/XXkQbGm68q
— Titans Women's Basketball (@FullertonWBB) November 10, 2021
Both teams traded baskets at 67-67 and 69-69 to set up the final play for the Titans. Wahinekapu had a mismatch after a screen and was able to drive in for a layup to give the Titans the 71-69 lead with 5 seconds left. Southern Utah couldn't get a shot off in the final five seconds to secure the Titans win.
Head Coach Jeff Harada was not on the bench tonight due to COVID protocols. Associate Head Coach Charel Allen was in charge of the Titans for the game.
Associate head coach Charel Allen, Carolyn Gill, Lily Wahinekapu and Fujika Nimmo on tonight's win over Southern Utah.#TusksUp pic.twitter.com/ZfkiXpcizj
— Titans Women's Basketball (@FullertonWBB) November 10, 2021
The Titans next head to Logan, Utah to take on Utah State on Saturday, November 13th. Tip-off is set for 1:00 PM.