SBCC held Hancock to six points in the first half of Wednesday’s WSC North women’s basketball opener and went on to post a 49-33 victory in Santa Maria.
The Vaqueros (13-7, 1-0) snapped a four-game losing streak by forcing 41 turnovers. Santa Barbara jumped ahead 8-0 and led 16-6 at halftime after Hancock (4-13, 0-1) shot 13.3 percent and committed 24 turnovers.
Taylor DeSilva had 10 points, 12 rebounds and five steals for Santa Barbara, which won despite getting outshot 28 to 27 percent. The Vaqueros dominated the boards 47-33 with 22 offensive rebounds. They also had 24 steals.
SBCC stretched the lead to 36-15 on a jumper by Jennifer Thompson with 10:20 to play.
“We got them to turn it over 41 times and we weren’t even pressing most of the second half,” said coach Sandrine Krul. “I don’t ever remember holding a team to six points in a half.”
On Nov. 15, the Vaqueros limited San Diego Mesa to seven first-half points on the way to a 66-20 triumph.
Mhiah Vickers added nine points and Sara Crane had eight points, six steals and four rebounds. Keia Nobles had seven points, four rebounds and four steals and Courtney Houston grabbed seven boards.
Brooke Amenta, the Vaqueros’ top scorer, returned from injury and contributed five rebounds in 19 minutes.
“Brooke is so important to our team,” Krul added. “She brings a level of enthusiasm every time she’s on the court.”
After a bye on Saturday, the Vaqueros travel to No. 2-ranked Ventura on Wednesday at 7 p.m.
