The Master's University women's basketball team hadn't played in 70 days, but Park University Gilbert showed no interest in letting the No. 4-ranked Mustangs ease back into competition Friday in Glendale, Ariz.
Ultimately, freshman Ella Brubaker scored 21 points for the second time in as many games to help the Mustangs overcome a halftime tie and come away with a 57-54 win. Master's (2-0), which hasn't lost a regular season road or neutral-site game since Feb. 16, 2019, held on when Park missed a three-point attempt at the final buzzer.
Brubaker made 7-of-16 shots, adding five rebounds, four assists, three blocks and two steals. The freshman has been impressive in each of her first two collegiate games after enrolling at TMU out of Curtis High School in University Place, Wash. She made 8-of-15 shots on the way to 21 points in a season-opening win over Bethesda University on Oct. 30. But the Mustangs then had two games canceled before going home for Christmas break.
The layoff lasted until Friday, when the Mustangs outscored Park 15-10 in the third quarter to break what had been a 27-27 tie at halftime.
The Mustangs received plenty of contributions from the team's veterans. Senior Anika Neuman scored 10 points, and senior point guard Madi Hull added seven.
Freshman Liv Tjoelker chipped in seven points, the final one coming at the free throw line with 13 seconds left, setting the final score. Seniors Rebekah Throns and Tristen Coltom each had five points.
Coltom hit a three-pointer to give Master's a nine-point lead with 6:12 remaining in the fourth quarter. But it was Brubaker who scored four of the team's final five points down the stretch to keep TMU in the lead.
Elise Young scored 20 points to lead Park Gilbert (2-3)
The Mustangs will return to action Saturday against Arizona Christian University, the host of Friday's neutral site game. Tip-off is set for 4:30 p.m. PST, and live stats and video will be available at GoMustangs.com/watch.
