IRVINE, Calif. – It's a new month but the Concordia University Irvine women's basketball team is still on a roll!
Camryn Kiernan scored 19 points and
Myia Collins and Kayla Cabbacang helped her carry the home team to victory on a rare Tuesday night game with the visiting Menlo Oaks.
Cabaccang nailed a big there-pointer to break a 63-63 tie and then assisted Collins on a basket shortly afterwards to make 68-63 in favor of CUI. Kiernan then scored the next five points, including an improvised three that bounced off the hands of a defender before she let it fly for a back-breaking swish. Two more free throws by Collins sealed Concordia's sixth win in its last seven outings.
"This was one of the most physical defenses we've faced all season, and in games like that you need your experienced players to help you navigate it," explained CUI head coach
Christine Collins-Kiernan. "Kayla came off the bench and gave us an immediate spark — not just with her scoring, but with her leadership and organization. Myia stepped into a chaotic fourth quarter and brought everyone into focus, making big plays down the stretch. Camryn continues to be our do-all player — she hit timely buckets, guarded one through five, took charges, and cleaned up the glass. You don't win games like this without players like that stepping up."
Two-time PacWest Defender of the Week
Genesis Hopkins was all over the boards and racked up a game-high 17 rebounds. Collins finished with 10 points and five rebounds. Kiernan was also 5-for-9 on triples.
Concordia improves to 10-5 in PacWest play and now sits Top 5 in the Conference Standings.
CLICK HERE for the updated PacWest women's basketball standings
The Golden Eagles built a 21-11 lead after a solid first quarter.
Camryn Kiernan scored eight straight points after Alison Shumate converted an And-1 to propel Concordia to a good start.
Menlo rallied to tie the contest in the second quarter and the teams were knotted at 37-37 at the break.
It came down to that crucial sequence down the stretch when Collins and the seniors helped lead the Golden Eagles to victory.
"We have a big week ahead and a very quick turnaround, so it's not slowing down for us," added Coach Collins-Kiernan. "We have to continue to grow, close gaps, and find ways to win in adverse situations. I was proud of how this group stayed together, weathered the storm, and came out the other side with a win — and it's always nice to respond against a team that got us the first time around."
Concordia will play their next game at Azusa Pacific this Thursday, Feb. 5 at 5 p.m. PT before returning home this Saturday to host Hawai'i Hilo at 5 p.m. PT as well.
CLICK HERE for the full CUI women's basketball schedule
