SBCC had a tough time getting the ball in the basket on Friday night and was still in position to beat Santa Ana before dropping a tough 45-44 women’s basketball decision in the opening round of the 25th annual Grossmont Holiday Tournament.
The Vaqueros (12-5) led 20-19 at the half and took a 44-42 lead on two free throws by Mhiah Vickers (6 points, 8 rebounds) with 1:20 to play. The Dons (7-6) responded with three free throws to go up by one with 19 seconds left.
Brooke Amenta missed a layup with five seconds left and after Santa Ana couldn’t convert two free throws, Michelle Herrera’s misfired on a 3-point try at the buzzer.
The Vaqueros, who enjoyed one of their highest state rankings ever at No. 11 this week, made just 19.4 percent from the field in the second half (6-31) and 23.3 percent for the game. Keia Nobles had 12 of her team-high 13 points in the second half and all seven of her rebounds.
Sara Crane added eight points, six rebounds and five steals for the Vaqueros while Amenta had eight points.
There were 10 ties and 13 lead changes in the contest. The Vaqueros made just 1-of-20 from 3-point range and the Dons were 0-13.
“We never take 20 3-pointers in a game,” said coach Sandrine Krul. “That’s too many. This is a good lesson for us. We have to show up and give a concentrated effort every game.”
The Vaqueros will take Bakersfield in the consolation semifinals on Saturday at 3 p.m.
