LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Kaiya Mack scored the most points in a game since at least the 2003-04 season to lead Cal Lutheran women's basketball to a thrilling 98-93 win against Wittenberg on Monday evening. With the win, the Regals (7-3) finished 2-0 at the D3hoops.com Classic and have won their last four games. 

HOW IT HAPPENED
The opening quarter set the tone for a tightly contested battle, with both teams trading baskets and the Regals trailing 21-20 after 10 minutes of play. 

In the second, the Regals fell victim to the Wittenberg's offensive rhythm, as the Tigers (8-3) extended their lead with sharp shooting and dominance on the glass. Despite this, Mack's timely buckets and Alline Ballard's effort on the boards kept the Regals within four points at halftime, trailing 46-42.

After the break, a 9-1 Regals swung the momentum and gave them their first lead since 6:30 of the second quarter. Aliya DiMuro scored the first bucket of the second half, Ballard converted a layup after a Sara Mills steal, and Mack scored on back-to-back possessions to cap off the run. The Regals forced six turnovers and held the Tigers to just 33.3% shooting in the frame, entering the fourth quarter with a slim 65-61 advantage.

The fourth quarter was a back-and-forth battle, with the lead changing multiple times. Knotted up at 78-78 with 1:39 to go, Mack knocked down a three to put the Regals ahead, but the Tigers answered to tie it back up at 82-82. With 0:04 on the clock, Mack was able to get a shot off but couldn't get it to go as the game headed to overtime. 

In overtime, the Regals struck first with a deep three from Alexa Greenwood, setting the tone for the extra period. Mack continued to deliver, scoring seven points in overtime, including four clutch free throws to stave off the Tigers in the final seconds and come out with the victory. 

THE NUMBERS
- Mack: 39 PTS, 14-20 FG, 5-7 3PT
- Janna Holley: 20 PTS, 5 REB, 8 AST, 4 STL
- Ballard: 19 PTS, 11 REB

UP NEXT
The Regals return to Gilbert Arena to take on Chapman in their first game of 2025 on Saturday, Jan. 4 at 4 p.m.