Thousand Oaks, Calif. (11/27/10) – Senior Tiffany Patrick scored a game-high 17 points as the Kean University women's basketball team won their final game in the California Lutheran University Thanksgiving Classic by the final of 77-65 defeating the host institution.
For their efforts this weekend, sophomore Naimah Clemons and rookie Emily Cristaldi joined Patrick on the Cal Lutheran All-Classic Team.
After trading baskets in just over the first minute of action, the #5/9 Cougars took a lead they would not relinquish for their fourth straight win to start the 2010-11 season. Kean would build their lead to as many as 10 points on four occasions in the first half, but the Regals climbed back into it and closed the lead to just three after 20 minutes of action. Clemons led Kean with eight first-half points while Cristaldi added seven.
After netting two free throws early in the second half, Cal Lutheran closed to within one point at 40-39, but the Cougars used a 15-1 run over the next five minutes to form a cushion and held a double-digit lead for the remainder of the contest. Patrick had seven points in the run.
Patrick finished the afternoon with eight rebounds and six steals in addition to her 17 points while Cristaldi had 14 points and five rebounds. Clemons closed out the day with 16 points and six assists.
The Cougars return for their home and conference opener on Wednesday, December 1st at 6 p.m.