SBCC built a 16-point halftime lead with deadly 3-point shooting on Saturday afternoon, then held on for a 66-63 women’s basketball win over Grossmont to claim third place in the seventh annual MTXE Tournament at the Sports Pavilion.
Katie Grande was a perfect 4-4 on long-range shots and scored all 14 of her points in the first half as the Vaqueros (3-2) took a 44-28 lead. Leslie Steele added a trio of 3-pointers for SBCC, which hit 10-of-15 from distance in the first 20 minutes.
Jennifer Jimenez earned all-tourney honors after an 11-point, 6-rebound, 4-assist performance. Jasmine Johnson had seven rebounds and seven assists before fouling out with seven minutes to go.
“They put the press on in the second half and Jaz was in foul trouble,” said coach Sandrine Krul. “We had to move JJ (Jimenez) to the point.”
San Bernardino Valley, ranked No. 5 in Southern Cal, claimed the title with a 72-53 win over Solano. Cerritos took the consolation crown with a 66-52 triumph over San Diego Mesa.
Darsha Burnside of San Bernardino was the tournament MVP.
Grossmont cut SBCC’s lead to two with 40 seconds left. Mercedes Gonzalez (7 points, 7 rebounds) made a free throw, Grossmont missed a trey and Samantha Lugo came up with a clutch rebound.
“Grossmont is a very disciplined team and we showed great resiliency after our point guard fouled out,” noted Krul.
The Vaqueros are off until Dec. 1 when they open against San Joaquin Delta in the 16-team Sequoias Tournament.
