Mesa, Ariz. – The women's basketball team at Park University Gilbert finessed their sixth straight win of the season with a huge 77-73 victory over the University of California-Merced on Thursday evening. With their most recent win against the University of Antelope Valley, sights of the California Pacific Conference tournament came firmly back into view for the Buccaneers.

Macy Markus is one who has climbed back into the ranks after experiencing a scoring slump early in the season. Tonight, she put up 20 points, along with four rebounds and two assists. In the first half, Markus hit a layup that tied the score 8-8. Unfortunately for Park, the Bobcats went on a 9-5 run to take them into the second quarter. 

Madison Chappell chipped in with five points of her own, along with two boards. Concluding the second quarter, the Bucs finished shooting 35.7% from the floor, while the Bobcats led with 40%.

Markus led the second quarter with seven points, shooting 50% from the floor. As a team, the Buccaneers shot 44.4%, with the help of Markus, Chappell, and Kayla Shroeder finishing 50% from the floor. Jazmyne Jenkins had a successful run, totalling seven points and 11 boards, eight of which were on the offensive side.

It was a nailbiter finish as UC-Merced trailed by five with just under a minute to go. The Bucs looked to cradle home the victory, but a layup from the Bobcats Damilola Sule followed by a circus shot three-pointer from Victoria Farris brought the game to within one with just 19 seconds to go. A steal from Jayla Reliford followed by a Bobcat foul forced intentional fouls by the Bobcats on back to back possessions, which once again gave the Bucs a five point lead.

However, another late triple brough the game to within two, and a Markus turnover gave hope to the drowning Bobcats with just 5.2 seconds to go. It was Reliford to the rescue once again, though, as she drew an offensive foul that sealed the deal as the Bucs went on to win 77-73.

The Bucs return to Bell Bank Park on Jan 29, where they will host Simpson University. Tip off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.