WBK: Big first half leads Cuesta over SBCC

Cuesta used a 21-0 run first-half run to build a 23-point halftime advantage on Wednesday and went on to defeat SBCC 71-47 in a WSC North women’s basketball game at the Sports Pavilion.

The Vaqueros (9-13, 1-8) were outshot 55 to 27 percent in the opening half and they trailed 46-23 at intermission. After taking a 12-9 lead on a 3-pointer by Darla Morales, Santa Barbara went more than six minutes without scoring and the Cougars (21-6, 6-4) racked up 21 straight points to take a 30-12 lead.

Mhiah Vickers led all scorers with 17 points and also had six rebounds for SBCC. Elia Salazar tallied eight points and tied her season high with 14 rebounds. Jasmine Mata added eight points on 4-6 shooting.

Morgan Liebscher led Cuesta’s balanced attack with 15 points and Kaylee Williams scored 11 of her 12 points in the opening half.

Cuesta outshot the Vaqueros 44 to 28 percent for the game and forced 24 turnovers.

The Vaqueros travel to top-ranked Ventura on Saturday for a 5 p.m. contest.