Mhiah Vickers poured in 20 points and grabbed nine rebounds on Friday night, leading SBCC to a 77-67 season-opening women’s basketball victory over Glendale in the first round of the Bash by the Beach at the Sports Pavilion.
Sara Crane added 15 points, seven steals, four rebounds and four assists while Keia Nobles had 12 points and six rebounds.
Santa Barbara forced 24 first-half turnovers but still trailed 31-30 at intermission. Sharar Ali-Clarke made six of her eight steals in the opening half and also had nine rebounds in the game.
“We had some nerves early on and Brooke Amenta got into early foul trouble,” explained coach Sandrine Krul. “Our offense really goes through her, so other players had to step up and they did in a big way.
“Our half-court press was effective in the second half and we did a good job of mixing up our presses.”
Michelle Herrera had 10 points for SBCC, which won despite being outshot (45 to 35 percent) and outrebounded (38-36). Glendale committed 14 more turnovers (43-29) and SBCC hit 24-of-36 from the foul line (67 percent).
L.A. Southwest upset No. 12 Fullerton 71-55 in the first game.
SBCC will take on Southwest for the title on Saturday at 5 p.m., following the third-place game at 3 p.m. between Glendale and Fullerton.
