MERCED, Calif. – Mia Belvin scored six of her 13 points in a 12-1 run midway through the fourth quarter, lifting UC-Merced to a 77-70 victory over the College of Idaho inside the Gallo Center.
Playing their third game in three nights, the Lady Yotes (1-4) led 36-35 at the break and used an 8-0 run in the third quarter – to take their largest lead of the night at 50-43. An
Emily Harwood bucket with seven minutes left in the game gave C of I a 61-56 lead, before UCM rallied.
The Bobcats (4-2) took advantage of 20 free throw attempts in the final quarter alone – with Belvin converting two jumpers and a pair of free throws – adding two steals in the game-changing run. C of I got within 73-70 inside the final minute, but could not get closer.
Alyssa Case had her second-straight double-double, scoring 23 points with a career-high 13 rebounds, with
Kaylee Krusemark adding 12 points and eight boards in the loss for the Yotes.
All five UCM starters scored in double figures, led by 16 points from Aubrey Hayes. The Bobcats turned 21 C of I turnovers into 22 points and won despite the Yotes holding a 48-33 rebound margin.
C of I will have next weekend off, preparing for their conference openers against Oregon Tech and Southern Oregon.
