Santa Barbara’s girls basketball team couldn’t crack a tough Rio Mesa squad in its final tune-up before Thursday’s league-opener against Ventura, falling to the Spartans 53-44 Monday down in Oxnard.
Brandi Blackwell had 13 points, nine rebounds, four assists and four blocks to lead the Dons (14-3), who got within five points on a couple of occasions in the final minutes. The Spartans (12-3), however, hit big shots when they needed to to hold on.
“They’re a good team, and when you play on the road its always a bit tougher,” said Santa barbara coach Andrew Butcher. “We just need to get a little bit better.”
The Dons were hampered by 19 turnovers in the first half, but turned it around and had eight in the second half.
Rebecca Griffin had 10 points, six assists and three steals, while Tess Emerson pulled down nine boards.
The Dons face a tough task against the always-powerful Cougars on Thursday, as Ventura recently won the Gold Division at the Santa Barbara Tournament of Champions. Rio Mesa, however, beat Ventura by a point in the season-opener for both teams.
RIO MESA 53, SANTA BARBARA 44
SANTA BARBARA — Blackwell 13, Ramirez 11, Griffin 10, Emerson 2, Pereyra 9, Kearns 2. Totals 17 7-17 44.
RIO MESA—Dixon 12, Gavia 2, Vargas 6, Ramirez 8, Lemos 2, Devad 17, Crier 6. Totals 19 12-17 53.
Santa Barbara……12 9 6 16 — 44
Rio Mesa…………….9 17 11 16 — 53
3-point goals—SB 4 (Ramirez 3, Griffin 1), RM 3 (Devad).
Total Fouls — SB 7, RM 10.
Records — SB 14-3, RM 12-3.
