SBCC used a 14-3 game-ending run to beat Antelope Valley 55-49 on Friday night in the opening round of the 12th annual Antelope Valley Women’s Basketball Holiday Tournament.
The Vaqueros, ranked 19th in the state, trailed by five (46-41) with 8:47 to play before rallying for their fourth straight win. SBCC is 11-3 while the Marauders fell to 4-6. The 11-3 start is the Vaqueros’ best since 2006-07 when they also started 11-3.
Mhiah Vickers scored 18 points and Brooke Amenta had 16 points, seven rebounds and two blocks for Santa Barbara. Sara Crane grabbed a career-high 15 rebounds, including seven offensive, and handed out four assists.
Crane broke a 49-49 tie by grabbing an offensive rebound and scoring with 1:35 to play.
Taylor DeSilva contributed eight rebounds for the Vaqueros, who trailed 25-24 at intermission. SBCC held the home team to 25 percent shooting (8-32) in the second half.
“Sara was a rebounding maniac,” said coach Sandrine Krul. “Our defensive intensity led to offensive freedom.”
The Vaqueros will take on Cypress on Saturday in the second semifinal at 7 p.m. No. 5 Foothill battles No. 18 Moorpark in the first semifinal at 5 p.m.
