LOS ANGELES – The Cal State San Marcos women's basketball team fell victim to a second-half rally by Cal State L.A. on Tuesday night, falling on the road to the Golden Eagles by a score of 52-46 in California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) action.
 
CSUSM out shot CSULA in both halves as the Cougars posted back-to-back 37.5 percent from the field while the Golden Eagles shot 25.0 percent in the opening half, followed by 30.3 in the second half. The deciding factor came to free throws as CSULA went to the charity stripe 26 times, making 15, while CSUSM only went five times and sunk two.
 
The Cougars drop to 1-7 for the season with a 1-3 record in conference. CSULA improves to 5-8 overall, 4-3 in CCAA play.
 
Senior Raegan Lillie led CSUSM with 17 points, making 7-of-13 from the field with one 3-pointer and going 2-of-2 at the free throw line. Seniors Lupe Cruz and Stephanie Somers each added eight points with Cruz pulling down nine rebounds.
 
CSUSM closed out the first half with a 9-3 run to take a 27-20 lead into halftime. CSULA held the Cougars to just six points in the third quarter while scoring 20 to take a 40-33 lead into the final 10 minutes.
 
The Cougars cut the Golden Eagles' lead to two points (48-46) with just under a minute remaining on a jumper by Lillie. CSULA would make four of its final six free throws to secure the win.
 
CSULA's Rikke Fabricius led all scorers with 18 points while Madison Adams recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
 
CSUSM takes a break for the holidays and will return to the court on Dec. 29 when the Cougars travel to Turlock to take on Stanislaus State. Tip-off is slated for 5:30 p.m.