Led by a career-high 29 points from sophomore forward Kristina Santiago, the Cal Poly women’s basketball team defeated Cal State Bakersfield 76-67 at the Icardo Center.
The Mustangs (12-7) were without the services of junior guard Tamara Wells who was out with a groin injury. With Wells out, Cal Poly played 13 different players in the first half.
Among those seeing meaningful action was freshman forward Aly Geppert. Geppert, who had just two points and four rebounds on the season stepped up scoring six points and grabbing 10 rebounds.
Geppert’s effort on the glass was the first Mustangs’ double-digit rebounding figure this year.
Cal State Bakersfield (13-8) jumped out to an early advantage, leading 15-6 before the Mustangs would rely on Santiago and senior forward Megan Harrison to climb back into the game.
Harrison finished with 17 points.
Cal Poly led by two points at halftime. The teams played a tightly contested second half before a layup by junior guard Ashlee Stewart gave the Mustangs a five-point advantage.
With just over a minute remaining and Cal Poly clinging to the five-point lead, Santiago grabbed an offensive rebound made the putback and was fouled. She would convert the three-point play to give the Mustangs an eight point lead and virtually sealed the win.
Santiago made 11-of-19 field goal attempts and 7-of-8 from the line. She also added six rebounds and four assists.
The Mustangs continue their road trip at 4 p.m. Saturday when they take on Cal State Northridge in a Big West Conference game.