SBCC had a five-point lead with two minutes to play in Thursday’s season-opening women’s basketball game but Reedley rallied to nip the visiting Vaqueros 60-59.
Mercedes Gonzalez had 12 points and nine rebounds and Jennifer Jimenez added 11 points and five boards. The Vaqueros couldn’t overcome 33 turnovers.
“We have 10 freshmen and you’re going to have games like this,” said coach Sandrine Krul. “This was our first game and Reedley’s third game. We really played hard, we just have to execute.”
Katie Grande had nine points off the bench of 3-of-5 shooting from 3-point land. The Vaqueros, who trailed 37-31 at intermission, lost star guard Brooke Berry to an injury five minutes into the second half.
SBCC shot 40.5 percent from the field but only made 6-17 from the charity stripe. The Vaqueros led by one with 3.1 seconds left but Reedley drew a blocking foul on a drive and converted both free throws.
Santa Barbara plays at Sequoias on Friday in a 2 p.m. game.
