SAN RAFAEL, Calif. –
Stephanie Lopez made it back-to-back career-high scoring nights pouring in 35 points in Tuesday's 90-73 road win over Dominican. It was one of the best shooting nights from the free throw line in recent program history as the Pioneers ended the evening sinking 31-of-33 attempts in the victory.
Lopez finished shooting 10-of-12 from the field, including 3-for-4 from downtown, and 12-for-13 at the charity stripe. The senior guard was one of four Pioneers to finish with double figures in the scoring column, joined by
Tori Breshers (18),
Remy Puou (16), and
Alyssa Palma (10).
"We executed well offensively. Free throws have been one of our struggles and to go 31-for-33 was a big help and made a big difference in tonight's game," said Lopez. "Having
Shannon Bland as our point guard is wonderful. It takes a lot of energy to do what she does...I feel like she does all the dirty work while I get to take her passes and score."
Cal State East Bay led by only four points at half after Dominican (0-2) stayed within striking range receiving 14 points from Carly Holboke and another 10 from Allyssa Weatherd. Holboke knocked down back-to-back 3-pointers during a 13-3 scoring run that put the host Penguins on top 24-22. Weatherd had a flawless opening half going 4-for-4 from the floor and 2-for-2 at the free throw line.
The Pioneers took control out of halftime opening the second period on a 14-5 scoring run. Back-to-back fast break layups from Breshers and
Bianca Littleton gave Cal State East Bay a 59-46 cushion and forced a Dominican timeout early in the second half.
CSUEB would lead by no less than six points over the final 15 minutes of regulation and used a 21-of-23 performance at the free throw line in the second half to preserve the lead. The 31 made free throws are the most by a Pioneers squad since Dec. 20, 2008, against William Jessup (35).
Holboke led Dominican with 20 points in the loss. Weatherd and Nelson finished with 16 apiece. The Penguins only attempted one 3-pointer in the second half after connecting on 5-of-13 over the opening 20 minutes.
Cal State East Bay scored 90 points against Dominican for the second straight meeting and extends its win streak to four over the Penguins.
Cal State East Bay (2-1) will host Minnesota State Moorhead on Friday, Nov. 21.
