Women's Basketball's comeback falters late against #20 Embry-Riddle

The 20th ranked team in Embry-Riddle pulled away in the fourth after Cal Maritime erased a 21 point deficit early in the second half to sweep the season matchup between the two for the third consecutive year 73-57.

Despite both teams looking to rebound from losses last Saturday, the Golden Eagles from Embry-Riddle were hungrier to start this one, coming out scorching hot after a 6-3 start to the game. The three point lead instantly turned into a 23-6 game after the first quarter in what seemed in a matter of seconds.

Embry-Riddle's Bethany Wolph and Danae Ruiz doomed trouble for Cal Maritime from the start as they combined for 20 of the teams 23 points in the first quarter as the Keelhaulers couldn't find a rhythm early, shooting just 2-12 from the field in the first.

But Cal Maritime would make the necessary adjustments and chip away at the deficit to end the half on a good note, winning the quarter 18-15 while shooting 8-14 in the second to trail by just 14 at the half 38-24.

They would carry their momentum into the second half, going on an explosive 22-8 run, erasing the 21 point deficit at one point and tying it at 46-46 after a Kiara Warren three in the corner in front of her bench. Senior Apollonia Ilalio lead the way, who ended up finishing with a career high 21 points on 8-15 shooting, after establishing herself down low on the interior, going to work inside the paint and adding some mid-range jumpers to the mix.

The tie wouldn't last long as Haley Villegas of Embry-Riddle responded back on the ensuing possession and ended up leading 51-46 after the third, eventually holding on to a 73-57 win, outscoring Cal Maritime 27-11 the rest of the way.

Despite the loss, the Keelhaulers shot a season high 47% from the field, shooting 24-51 and finishing better than the Golden Eagles 45%. They also had a slight edge on the glass, winning the rebound battle 31-27 against a team that's ranked 10th in the nation in offensive rebounds a game with 15.5.

Elizabeth Martinez would have another double digit scoring game making it four in a row for her, finishing with 12 points before sitting out the fourth after injuring her right shoulder diving to the floor for the ball. Seniors Valiceia Horne and Tyra Fai'malo finished with eight and six points, both bringing down five rebounds as well.

UP NEXT: Cal Maritime (4-23, 2-11) will finish the season at home this Saturday for Senior Night, Feb 21, against Benedictine University at Mesa (18-9, 6-7) for a 3:00 p.m. tip off.