TMU Insider: Basketball keeps getting better

Bianca Cubello and the TMU women's basketball team made the NAIA postseason for the fifth straight year. Photo courtesy TMU Athletics/Dhon Whellons
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Last week, The Master’s University men’s and women’s basketball teams both improved their overall records, while TMU cross country and track hosted its annual Winter 5k run in the Placerita Canyon…

Women’s Basketball

The Master’s University women’s basketball team wrapped up its regular season non-conference schedule last Saturday by beating Bethesda University 98-47 on Bross Court.

Then win improved TMU’s 2016-17 record to 12-4. Saturday’s game also served as a great tune-up for Lady Mustangs as their next 11 games are all against GSAC opponents.

Solid play on part of TMU’s stout defense only allowed the Flames to lead once throughout the entire evening. Shortly after Estela Gutierrez drained a 3-pointer one minute and 15 seconds into the first quarter and gave Bethesda a 3-2 advantage, the Mustangs regained control and kept the Flames at arm’s length throughout the rest of the game.

TMU’s largest lead (51 points) came with five seconds left to play in the game when Kimmie Wong scored a 3-pointer, putting the Lady Mustangs up 98-47.

Each athlete on TMU’s roster received playing time in Saturday’s victory. Six Lady Mustangs ended the evening scoring in double figures: Bianca Cubello (13 points), Jamilee Iddings (13), Hannah Forrar (12), Sabrina Thompson (11), Ashley Bartow (11), and Kelly Burns (10). In addition to her 13 points, Cubello also yanked down 10 rebounds for her seventh double-double this season.

As a team, TMU went 38-66 (57%) from the field, 9-18 (50%) from behind the arc, and 13-18 (72%) on free throws.

Commenting on Saturday’s game, TMU head coach Dan Waldeck said: “We had great production from our bench tonight, and I liked how we kept playing all 40 minutes, no matter who was in the game.

“This was our last tune-up for an extremely tough week ahead, but we’re looking forward to the challenge of playing two top-10 teams with little preparation. I think we are improving each day, and I expect us to continue our upward trajectory as we start coming down the home stretch of the season. I’m really enjoying our teams shift in mentality and focus.”

On Tuesday, the 17th-ranked Mustangs will play No. 6 Vanguard University (16-1, 4-0 GSAC) on Bross Court at 5:30 p.m. Then, on Thursday, the Mustangs will travel to Santa Barbara for a 5:30 p.m. game against No. 3 Westmont (16-1, 6-0 GSAC).

Men’s Basketball

After beating San Diego Christian College 81-74 last Wednesday in El Cajon, The Mater’s University men’s basketball team (13-3, 2-3 GSAC) now faces a challenging week as it plays two of the top teams in the conference.

On Tuesday, the 21st-ranked Mustangs will play Vanguard (14-4, 3-1 GSAC) at 7:30 p.m. on Bross Court. Then, on Thursday, TMU will travel to No. 7 Westmont (16-2, 5-1 GSAC) for a 7:30 p.m. tilt.

For fans unable to attend this week’s games, both events can be streamed live online at www.masters.edu/athletics.

TMU Winter 5k

Last Saturday, The Master’s University Cross Country and Track & Field programs hosted an annual Winter 5k in the Placerita Canyon.

Nick Karwoski finished first overall out of 180 runners in 15 minutes and 16.93 seconds after clocking an average mile time of 4:55.

Saturday’s event was sponsored by Running Warehouse and Whole Foods Market. Race results can be found online at www.masters.edu/athletics.

For more information about The Master’s University Athletics, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @TMUAthletics.

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