REDLANDS, Calif. – Kaiya Mack led all scorers with 28 points, Alline Ballard posted a 19-point, 16-rebound double-double, and Cal Lutheran women's basketball outlasted Redlands for an 83-73 win on Saturday evening. 

The Regals (16-5, 8-4 SCIAC) fell to the Bulldogs (10-11, 5-7 SCIAC) early in the season, but avenged their prior loss thanks to big performances from their two sophomore standouts. Cal Lutheran remains in third place in the SCIAC standings but trails second-place Chapman by just a half-game. 

HOW IT HAPPENED
The game started with the Regals jumping out to a slight edge, leading 23-21 by the end of the first quarter, with Mack setting an aggressive tone early on, scoring eight points with two threes made in the opening quarter. 

The second quarter was tightly contested, with each team adding 15 points to their total, showcasing a defensive battle that led to a halftime tie at 38-all. 

In the third, the Regals pulled ahead slightly, sparked by a critical three-pointer from Mack, contributing to a 25-21 quarter score. This run provided a cushion that carried into the fourth quarter, where the Regals extended their lead and secured the victory. At 4:08, the Bulldogs made it just a three-point Regals lead, but Sara Mills answered with a key three-pointer that allowed the Regals to jump ahead and close out the game. 

THE NUMBERS
- Kaiya Mack: 28 PTS, 11-18 FG
- Alline Ballard: 19 PTS, 16 REB, 3 AST
- Aliya DiMuro: 13 PTS, 8 REB, 5-8 FG

FROM HEAD COACH KELLI DIMURO
On Mack and Ballard's efforts: "Kaiya put on an absolute clinic. She was relentless attacking their defense and pretty much carried us on her back. Her performance wasn't just about scoring either, it was about leadership, determination, being able to take over when it mattered most. Alline just dominates the paint. She's such a powerhouse in the paint, she controlled the boards and gave us a ton of second-chance putbacks and strong finishes at the rim." 

UP NEXT
With four games remaining before the SCIAC Tournament, every game matters with seeding still to be determined. Next, the Regals face Occidental on Monday, Feb. 10 at 7 p.m.