REDLANDS, Calif. – The University of Redlands women's basketball team (12-11, 8-7) overcame a hot shooting first quarter by the California Institute of Technology Beavers as they pulled away in the fourth quarter of their 61-43 win.
Caltech got off to a fast start thanks to a pair of threes in the opening three minutes as Redlands was in an early 8-2 hole. Leaya Mckinney and Aliyah Anderson would combine for a quick 6-0 run that tied the first quarter quarter at eight.
The final 2:16 of the first saw the Bulldogs score seven unanswered points as they took a 19-14 lead into the second 10 minutes. The seven points came from Anderson, a three by Kayden Sanders, and a jumper by AJ Wick.
The Bulldogs began the second by holding the Beavers scoreless for the first three plus minutes and got baskets from Colbi Zorich and Mckinney as they took a nine-point lead less than 10 minutes after trailing by six.
Redlands maintained their nine-point advantage, 32-23, with 1:20 left in the half, but Caltech ended the quarter with a three and a made free throw as it was a 32-27 game at the break.
At the 5:25 mark of the third quarter the Beavers had come all the way back and took the lead, 36-35, as they were on a 13-3 run over the previous six minutes.
Over the final four minutes, however, the Bulldogs were able to outscore the Beavers by seven, 12-5, as they were up by two possessions, 47-41, after 30 minutes of play.
Mckinney, Zorich, and Wick opened the final quarter with six-straight points that help Redlands take a 12-point lead with 7:15 on the clock. The lead would get to its largest and the final margin of 18, 61-43, as Caltech only scored two points in the fourth quarter.
Mckinney finished with a double-double of 17 points (8-13 FG) and 11 rebounds. Joining her with a double-double was Wick with 12 points (6-11 FG) and 13 rebounds along with a career-high five assists.
With this game the Bulldogs conclude their home schedule and will end the regular season at Occidental College this Saturday with tipoff at 4:00 p.m. in Los Angeles.