Santa Barbara’s girls basketball team made the most of a rainy day on Thursday, putting together a 46-41 Channel League victory over Buena to beat the Bulldogs for the first time since 2004.
Tess Emerson and Rebecca Griffin did most of the damage for the Dons, who allowed the Bulldogs to gain a 19-2 advantage at first.
Emerson finished with 18 points and Griffin tallied 13, helping the Dons improve their record to 17-5. More importantly, Santa Barbara finds itself in a three-way tie with Buena and Ventura for the Channel League lead.
The Dons’ offense came alive in the second quarter, outscoring Buena 19-12 to close the gap. In the third quarter, it was Santa Barbara’s defense that came alive, holding the Bulldogs to just three points.
Santa Barbara overtook Buena in the fourth quarter but didn’t clinch the big win until Griffin’s two free throws with seconds on the clock. Siondra Pereyra recorded a team-high eight rebounds and came up with a clutch steal with 10
“It showed great character,” said Dons head coach Andrew Butcher of the improbable comeback.
Santa Barbara faces San Marcos at the Sports Pavilion in its next game on Friday, Jan. 29.
SANTA BARBARA 46, BUENA 41
BUENA – McGuire 7, Albanez 17, Munoz 2, barnes 2, Sowell 13. 17 FG, 5-6 FT, 41.
SANTA BARBARA – Gil 4, Lloyd 2, Griffin 13, Emerson 18, Pereyra 6, Kearns 3. Totals – 15 FG, 15-20 FT, 46
Buena 19 12 3 7 – 41
Santa Barbara 3 19 10 14 – 46
3-ptrs – B 2 (McGuire, Albanez), SB 1 (Griffin). Total Fouls B19, SB 12. No Foul Outs.
Records – SB 17-5, 3-1, B 12-8, 3-1
