Box Score OCEANSIDE, Calif. – The Cal State San Marcos women's basketball team seemed glad to be back in Southern California.

After dropping two of three in Idaho, the Cougars shot 50% in their first half back on the home floor, owning the paint in a 72-63 victory over Menlo College on Thursday night at MIraCosta College.

CSUSM (3-3) led by as many as 14 in the first half, but saw its lead slide to just four with 12:23 left in the game. However, the Cougars responded with a 12-2 run to quell the threat and seal the win.

Sherika Miller had 19 points, Kimberly Kipp registered a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, and the Cougars used their strength inside to hand Menlo (3-3) its third loss of the year. The Oaks came into the contest ranked No. 24 in NAIA Division II.

The teams traded the lead early on, but Cassie Damyanovich's three followed by a jumper from Miller saw CSUSM take a 34-20 lead with 2:16 remaining in the first half.

It looked as though the Cougars might cruise, but the Oaks did well to get within 49-45.

However, Heather Thompson scored on back-to-back possessions before Lindsay Uyematsu's two free throws made it 55-45. Mackenzie Harnett added a layup and CSUSM hit four free throws, extending the lead to 61-47 with 7:54 left.

Menlo would get as close as eight, but clutch free throw shooting by Uyematsu and Melaya Gaines helped the Cougars close the game comfortably.

The Cougars out-rebounded the Oaks 58-42 and had five players pull down six boards or more. Miller had nine rebounds to go with a team-high five assists.

CSUSM will head to Redding for the TCSA/DAP Hoops Classic hosted by Simpson University. The Cougars will take on Pacific Union and Corban on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.