Bakersfield Wins in Double Overtime over Canyons

Bakersfield Wins in Double Overtime over Canyons

BAKERSFIELD, CA – A win holds the top spot in the Western State-South Conference between the Bakersfield College women's basketball team and the College of the Canyons women's basketball team. Both teams were 4-1 going into Wednesday night's game at the Gil Bishop Sports Center. A fight into the end but only one team would win, double overtime determined both teams' standings. Fifty minutes and the Renegades would come out on top, 78-71.

A slow start in the first quarter as both teams struggled offensively. The first point was scored with seven minutes left by a single free throw shot from BC. COC scored their first basket about a minute later taking a short lead. Freshman Kathleen Rodriguez would score two field goals to give Bakersfield a short edge.

Into the second quarter and the game starts rolling. Both teams used their defense to keep the ball game to no more than two possessions. Guard Briana Green would give the Renegades the small cushion lead with a three-pointer and the team would take it from there finishing the first half, 30-22.

Contributing to the Renegades lead was Elise Enriquez with 12 points who scored 4 out 5 three-point shots followed by teammate Rodriguez supplying 6 points.

Renegades jump to a 10-point lead (37-27) in the first three minutes of the second half. The women continued to hold their lead and took their largest margin (12-points) with about a minute left in the third. The final 10 minutes would be a turn of events, as COC wasn't going home without a fight. The Cougars were able to bring the ball game to a tie at 48 and 50 points then took their first lead since the first quarter with two three-pointers with under four minutes left to play. Bakersfield managed to tie the game with just 20 seconds to force the game into overtime.

Five minutes added to regulation and both teams go point for point until COC took the lead. BC struggled to find the basket, missing about four opportunities to take the lead but managed to force a double overtime with 15 seconds left.

Into the final five minutes and fatigue is starting to kick in. Bakersfield goes on an 8-2 run with just about two minutes left (71-65). Enriquez shoots the secure lead with a three-pointer. The Renegades would hold on to the end.

Ending the night with 19 points and 9 rebounds was Julie Hernandez while teammate Rodriguez matched her in points and finished the game with 13 rebounds. Freshman Angie Gonzalez supported her team with 12 assists. As a team Bakersfield went 87% on free throws

With the win, the Renegades improve to 16-3 overall and 5-1 in conference play on the season. Bakersfield will head out for the road for the next two conference games. Renegades will return home on February 2nd taking on Citrus.

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