LEWISTON, Idaho – The Cal State San Marcos women's basketball team cut a 28-point deficit down to nine late in the second half, but it could not catch Lewis Clark State in an 80-68 loss on Sunday afternoon at the LCSC Activity Center.

Sherika Miller and Heather Thompson recorded double-doubles, while Cassie Damyanovich poured in 16 points for CSUSM (2-3). Miller led all scorers with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Thompson contributed 11 points and 12 boards.

The Cougars went 1-2 on their trip to Idaho after a Friday win over Warner Pacific and a loss to Southern Oregon on Saturday evening.

LCSC (8-0) was paced by 16 points by Caelyn Orlandi.

Down by 18 at the break, CSUSM saw its deficit expand to 54-26 four minutes into the second half. 

However, a 10-0 run brought the Cougars back in it and CSUSM was able to get within three possessions with 1:44 to play. Unfortunately, it would be as close as the Cougars would come, as LCSC traded baskets the rest of the way.

CSUSM outscored LCSC in the second half, 42-36, using a 20-8 edge in the paint to get back in the game.

The Cougars also out-rebounded LCSC 54-32. They pulled down 21 offensive rebounds for 14 second-chance points.

CSUSM hosts Menlo on Thursday, November 21^st at 6:00 p.m. at MiraCosta College before travelling to the Simpson Classic for two games over the weekend.