The Omaha women’s basketball team fought hard against CSU Bakersfield, but couldn’t erase the third quarter deficit they suffered.
The Mavericks (1-5) lost 82-73 against the Roadrunners (1-4) at home in the team’s first game at Baxter Arena this season.
CSU Bakersfield opened up with a three pointer from guard Morgan Hawkins, before Omaha went on a 24-13 run the remainder of the first quarter. The Mavericks went 4/6 from three-point land during the quarter while out-rebounding the Roadrunners nine to six.
Junior forward Ali Stephens brought the Mavericks lead to 11 early in the second quarter with her second three pointer of the day.
Shortly after, the Roadrunners went on a 9-2 run, cutting the Maverick lead to just four points.
The rest of the second quarter was a series of runs, ending in a one-point CSU Bakersfield lead. The Roadrunners led 40-39 going into halftime.
Both teams opened up the third quarter by trading baskets until the game was tied up at 44. CSU Bakersfield found an offensive rhythm, going on another 9-2 run.
That run helped the Roadrunners maintain a nine-point lead going into the fourth quarter.
The fourth quarter was a competitive back and forth affair, and the Mavericks could not find a way to overcome the deficit.
One bright spot for Omaha was its three-point shooting. The Mavericks shot 42.9 percent from beyond the arc.
Omaha also dished the ball better than CSU Bakersfield, putting up 13 assists to the Roadrunners’ ten.
Both forward Cora Olsen and graduate guard Sarai Estupiñan led the teams in points again, with 23 and 19, respectively.
Freshman forward Avril Smith led the team in rebounds with 13, bringing her season average to 10.6 per game. She also logged four steals and five blocks, leaving her just one steal, two assists and two points away from a five-by-five performance.
Despite the loss, Omaha is showing improvements on many facets of the game.
Omaha will rest tomorrow while preparing for its next game against Lindenwood (3-1), who has wins against fellow Summit League squads Oral Roberts and Kansas City. The Mavericks will play game two of the homestand against the Lions on Saturday, Nov. 22nd at 1 p.m.