Neuman, Ostrom lead Lady Mustangs past La Sierra

This was, believe it or not, the first true road game of the season for The Master's University women's basketball team. 

TMU's win at CSUN last month was an exhibition. 

The Mustangs' victory over Southeastern University, one of the top-rated teams in NAIA Division 2, came on a neutral site — as did the Mustangs' victory over a quality Oregon Tech team. 

So, Tuesday's trip to Riverside was the first opportunity for the Mustangs to test coach Dan Waldeck's two main tenets of success when it comes to playing in an opponent's gym: rebounds are at a premium, and defense isn't optional. 

The No. 4-ranked Mustangs checked both boxes in a 71-53 win over La Sierra University inside Alumni Pavilion, pulling away in the second quarter to improve to 5-0 on the year. 

Anika Neuman scored a game-high 18 points with eight rebounds and four assists in the victory, which kicked off a run of six straight games away from TMU. The Mustangs won't play at home again until the middle of next month.

That might be a non-factor. 

Tuesday, Master's out-rebounded its host by 15 and parlayed 20 turnovers into 24 points. The Mustangs scored 16 second-chance points to La Sierra's six. 

"Coach always reminds us that defense and rebounding are the most important things that travel with us on the road," said point guard Sabrina Thompson, who scored eight points with five assists. "We had to really rely on our defensive discipline at another team's home gym. Our length and pressure really got to them."

Some of that length was supplied by Neuman, who also impacted the game on the offensive end. The junior forward went on a personal 5-0 run midway through the second quarter to help push what had been a two-point lead after one quarter to double figures by halftime. She made seven of 12 shots overall and has now scored at least 10 points in each of her last four games. 

"She's just so consistent," Waldeck said. "She does whatever is needed. Scores, rebounds, makes plays for others."

In the third quarter, Neuman passed to Hannah Ostrom, who knocked down a 3-pointer to extend what had been an 11-point lead at intermission to 15. 

Ostrom finished with a season-high 15 points on 5-of-9 shooting. She was 2-for-4 from behind the arc. 

"I thought she played fearless and was aggressive to find her shot," Neuman said of Ostrom. "That's what she brings to our team and she does it so well. It's fun to see her play like that tonight."

In extended minutes, freshman Caitlin Monten set career highs of 12 rebounds and three steals. And Rebekah Throns added eight points and five rebounds for the Mustangs, who will travel to Santa Barbara this weekend for a high-profile tournament. 

Master's will play the University of Antelope Valley — ranked No. 10 in NAIA Division 2 — on Friday at 4 p.m. and No. 6 Our Lady of the Lake (Texas) — the No. 6 team in NAIA Division 1 — on Saturday at 5 p.m.. 

Both games will be live streamed on GoMustangs.com.