Mt. SAC turns back Foothill to advance to CCCAA Semifinals
LIVERMORE, Calif. -- State top-ranked Mt. San Antonio College overcame an early six-point deficit and a brief late challenge to end Foothill College's 14-game winning streak, 58-46, in the opening quarterfinal game of the California Community College Athletic Association Women's Basketball Tournament Friday afternoon at Las Positas College.
South Coast Conference champion Mt. SAC (31-2) advances to Saturday's 7 p.m. semifinal game against the winner of Friday evening's San Francisco vs. Ventura game.
All-state first-team guard Caira Benton had 12points (eight in the first half) and 10 rebounds for the Mounties. "She played well, was active and got rebounds," said Mt. SAC coach Brian Crichlow. Mt. SAC also got 12 points plus four assists from all-state second-team guard Dominique McLaughlin and 11 points from Allyah George.
Trailing, 12-10, after 10 minutes, Mt. SAC started the second period with a nine-point run started by a pair of baskets by Benton. The Mounties led 34-18 at halftime.
Down by as many as 20 points, 44-24, near the end of the third period, the Owls mounted a fourth-quarter comeback, closing to 48-38 on back-to-back 3-pointers by Tiffani lowe and Akilah Jennings. Lowe hit two more baskets, including a three, to close the gap to seven at 50-43 with 4:40 left. But McLaughlin answered with a three and Mt. SAC stayed in control from there.
Mt. SAC's 6-foot-3 center Kali jones had seven rebounds, three blocks, and eight points. The Mounties had a 43-26 advantage on the boards.
Jennings, an all-state first-team guard, had 12 points, four steals, and two assists for the Owls. Lowe added 10 points.
Foothill, which finished 23-9, had been undefeated in 2017 - since a tournament setback on Dec. 30.
Foothill also had an earlier tournament loss to Mt. SAC, 72-67, on Dec. 1.
(Compiled by Fred Baer, College of San Mateo sports information)
