Cowling, No. 16 Cal women escape, 77-72 over Liberty

Nov 28, 2015, 07:57 pm

LAS VEGAS -- Mikayla Cowling had a career-high 22 points and the No. 16 California women escaped Saturday with a 77-72 win over Liberty in the South Point Shootout.

Cal (5-1) led by double digits much of the way with its largest lead at 61-43 early in the fourth. When Cowling scored with 5 minutes left, the Bears still led by 16.

The Flames (2-4) scored 13 straight over the next 3:16 to pull within 68-65 but were unable to get closer. Cowling's 3 with 1:27 left put the Bears up by six.

Liberty's Jaymee Fisher-Davis hit a 3 and a layup, but and Cal answered each -- Asha Thomas the 3 and Courtney Range the layup -- pushing the Bears' lead back to six each time.

Kristine Anigwe added 16 points and Thomas scored 14 for Cal. Ashley Rininger led the Flames with 18 points. Fisher-Davis and Sadalia Ellis added 13.