The CSUN women’s basketball team had their three game winning streak snapped on Thursday night, losing 74-71 on the road against the Long Beach State 49ers.
The loss drops the Matadors to 5-17 overall, 3-5 in Big West Conference play.
Despite getting off to a good start, the Matadors found themselves trailing by 15 points in the second quarter before embarking on a spirited comeback in the second half.
Trailing by seven points with just over two minutes left in the fourth quarter, the Matadors went on a 7-0 run capped off by freshman center Channon Fluker’s put back in the paint to tie the game 63 with 19 seconds left.
The 49ers were unable to get off a final shot on the ensuing possession and the game went into overtime.
Once the overtime period began, both teams struggled from the field but the 49ers were able to convert on several free throw attempts to seal the victory.
Despite the loss, Fluker had yet another dominant performance, finishing with her fourth straight double double. She led the Matadors with 18 points on 60 percent shooting and she pulled down a career high 19 rebounds. She also added three assists and three blocked shots.
Junior forward Jasmine Johnson added 17 points on 75 percent shooting, nine rebounds, three assists, and four steals.
The 49ers were led by junior point guard Anna Kim who scored 17 points on 53.8 percent shooting, dished out four assists, and had two steals. Junior guard Raven Benton chipped in with 15 points on 38.5 percent shooting and grabbed 11 rebounds.
While the Matadors matched the 49ers with scoring in the paint at 30 apiece and outrebounded them 51-41, turnovers were once again a big factor in the game.
Unable to take care of the basketball, the Matadors committed 27 turnovers which led to 28 points for the 49ers.
The Matadors continue their small road trip on Saturday Feb. 6 against the University of Riverside Highlanders. Tipoff is scheduled for 4 p.m.