MERCED, Calif. – The University of California, Merced women's basketball team continued their push at a postseason berth with a 67-54 win over Benedictine University Mesa on Saturday night inside the Joseph Edward Gallo Gymnasium.
The Bobcats (10-15, 9-9) win was their third straight with all three victories coming against the top three teams in the California Pacific Conference standings at the time. Also of note, UC Merced finished their regular season home schedule with seven straight wins. The seven-game home winning streak dating back to January 18 is tied for the second longest home winning streak in program history.
Nicole Lukito powered the Bobcats to victory with 17 points, 13 rebounds, and three blocks. Her double-double was her second straight and 13th overall of the season, making her one of just seven Cal Pac players all-time with at least 13 double-double's in a campaign. Her three blocks brings her season total to 39 blocks which is tied for ninth all-time in Cal Pac single-season history.
Megan Williams tied her UC Merced career-high with 15 points on 85% (6-7) shooting. The junior also had six rebounds and two blocks.
Sarina Nagra added 12 points and shot 50% (2-4) from beyond the arc, while Leilani Blecha hit three triples for a nine-point Saturday night.
Imani Johnson pitched in a career-high six assists to go along with seven points, four rebounds, and two steals. Jazzy Beltran had three assists and two steals.
Lukito scored the Bobcats first five points of the night, including a triple to give UC Merced a 5-2 lead. UC Merced never trailed in the game.
A Williams field goal gave the Bobcats a 12-5 advantage midway through the first quarter and then Paloma Ramirez extended the lead to nine points shortly after with an offensive rebound putback.
UC Merced led 18-12 going into the second frame and used an 8-3 spurt over the first five minutes to grab their first double figure lead of the night at 26-15. The Bobcats led by nine points before back-to-back Blecha triples extended the lead to 34-19 a minute to go before halftime.
Head coach Kellie Bernad's team held a lead between 9-15 points for the first six minutes of the third quarter. Blecha extended the advantage to a then game-high 18 points with another three-pointer with 3:51 to play in the period and the Bobcats led 52-37 entering the final frame.
A Johnson three-pointer on the first possession of the fourth quarter gave the Bobcats an 18-point lead again. The two teams traded buckets over the next few minutes and a Williams second chance basket claimed the Bobcats biggest lead of the night at 19 points, 66-47 with 4:41 left in the game. The Bobcats led by 15 points inside of three minutes on their way to a 67-54 win.
UC Merced finished the night shooting 45.8% from the field, 36.8% from downtown, and 55.2% from the free throw line.
The Bobcats held BenU without a three-pointer for the first 39 minutes and forced 20 Redhawks turnovers.
With the win, UC Merced is currently in a three-way tie for the sixth and final spot in the California Pacific Conference Championships with two games to go. UC Merced is guaranteed a postseason spot with two wins and a La Sierra loss. There are also other scenarios.
Up next, UC Merced will play at University of Saint Katherine on Thursday, February 22. Tipoff from the USK Sports Complex in San Marcos, Calif., is scheduled for 5:30pm.
