Overcoming a 24-21 halftime deficit, Westmont women’s basketball held the Tigers of Occidental (2-1) to just 15 points in the second half as the Warriors posted a 59-39 victory. Junior point guard Amber Stevens scored 15 points and collected 10 rebounds in third double-double of her collegiate career, including a triple-double her freshman year.
“We had a dysfunctional first half,” acknowledged head coach Kirsten Moore. “We were out of sync and out of sorts. This last week we lacked any rhythm with players staying all over the place and practices disrupted. It showed in the first half.”
Junior guard Jessica Case kept the Warriors in the game during the first half, scoring 11 points on 5-of-9 shooting. However she suffered a concussion and could not return in the second half. But her efforts in the first half provided the time needed for her teammates to regain their balance.
The Warriors shot 51.6% from the field in the second half (16 of 31), including 55.6% from three-point range (5 of 9), while holding Occidental to just 25% (4 of 16).
Stevens scored 12 of her points in the second half while sophomore guard Elizabeth Evancoe made three of five from beyond the arc on her way to 11 points.
“Elizabeth not only hit the threes, she made a lot of hustle plays and provided a great spark,” said Moore.
Westmont returns to action after Thanksgiving when the Warriors travel to Atherton to participate in the Menlo Tournament. On Saturday, the Warriors will take on the tournament hosts at four o’clock. The following day, Westmont faces off against Cal State East Bay at two o’clock.
