The UCI Women’s Basketball team (2-0) narrowly defeated the Sacramento State Hornets (0-1) 60-58 at the Hornets Nest in Sacramento on Saturday, Nov. 12. Though it came down to the wire, a series of well-executed plays ensured that UCI came out on top.
With the tip off in favor of Sacramento, the Hornets wasted no time getting on the scoreboard. Senior guard Kaylin Randhawa lobbed the ball to junior center Isnelle Natabou, who created space behind UCI defenders for an open layup.
The Hornets’ hustle and intensity was on full display as they slid across the gym floor battling to gain possession during each loose ball. In complete contrast, the Anteaters struggled on both sides of the court in the first quarter. The team was unable to find their matchup on defense, which led to simple baskets for Sacramento.
However, UCI refused to give up. Sophomore guard Nikki Tom got herself underneath the basket and pivoted to the right to finish with an and-one.
The first quarter ended with the Hornets up 16-11.
UCI made some tweaks to their defense entering the second quarter. The team applied full court pressure, resulting in multiple Hornets turnovers.
Sacramento benefited from quick passes and taking the time to look within the paint. Hornet’s Randhawa used her open court vision to find junior forward Erin Hedman cutting down at the baseline, firing a bounce pass into the lane for an easy finish at the rim.
As the score continued to fluctuate, UCI graduate forward Naomi Hunt cut the lead to a single digit deficit of 22-28 with back-to-back buckets, including a three-point shot.
With 20 seconds left in the half, Hornets sophomore guard Katie Peneueta planted herself at the left corner and received a long pass from Randhawa, burying a three-pointer to give the Hornets a 38-24 lead at the break.
Going into the third quarter, the Anteaters put together a 7-0 scoring run that Natabou ended with a wide open layup for the Hornets. The third quarter ended with the Anteaters outscoring the Hornets by five points, cutting the deficit to 42-51.
Opening the fourth quarter, Sacramento let UCI sneak up on the scoreboard as the Hornets had five turnovers in a span of four minutes and a two and a half minute scoring drought.
Tom fearlessly drove in the paint, banking in a layup and allowing the ‘Eaters to cut the deficit to four points, and knocked down two free throws on the next possession, narrowing the Hornets lead to 54-56 with 2:12 remaining. The Hornets committed another turnover on the next possession. Hunt made it count, hitting a mid-range jumper to tie the game.
UCI came up with a clutch defensive stop, and junior guard Diaba Konate received the ball with eight seconds left. She dribbled sharply past a screen set by her teammate and pulled up for the winning basket, burying the jumper and giving UCI the win, 60-58.
Putting on a show for the Anteaters, Hunt scored 17 points alongside Konate who scored 16 points, including the game winning shot. For the Hornets, Natabou’s hard work resulted in a double-double of 19 points and 17 rebounds.
Next up, the Anteaters will travel to the Alaska Airlines Arena to take on the University of Washington Huskies on Thursday, Nov. 17 at 5 p.m. This can be streamed on ESPN+.
Jazlyn Flores is a Sports Staff Writer. She can be reached at jazlynpf@uci.edu.