UC Santa Cruz Athletics
8-9,0-0DIII Ind
Chico State
10-6,6-4CCAA
Banana Slugs never trail in 55-45 win at Division II Chico State
1/18/2020 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
CHICO - In need of a big game against Division II Chico State, sophomore Ashley Kowack came up with one of her biggest.
Kowack scored 25 points on 9-19 shooting with three three-pointers as UC Santa Cruz never trailed in the historic 55-45 win. Emily Mitchell added 11 points as the Banana Slugs improved to 8-9.
"We played with tremendous composure throughout. It was a total team win as we got contributions from everyone," said head coach Todd Kent.
It's the first win over a Division II opponent for UCSC in coach Kent's 11 years at the helm. Kaylee Murphy added 14 rebounds, four assists and 2 blocks, while Maddy Miller had 10 rebounds plus a block.
Kowack scored seven of the first 10 UCSC points as the Banana Slugs were up 10-2 in the first 3:13, forcing a Chico State timeout.
In the back-and-forth game. Chico got to within two at 43-41 with 6:31 left in the fourth. The Banana Slugs however closed the game out on a 12-4 run to pick up the victory.
UCSC outrebounded Chico State 46-40 and held the Wildcats to 18-72 shooting (25.0%) from the field.
Mikaila Wegenke led the Wildcats (10-6) with 12 points.
UCSC returns to Division III play when they travel to Pomona-Pitzer on Saturday the 25th.
