During the program's run of seven consecutive trips to the state tournament from 2004-2010, including the CCCAA state title in 2009, the Pasadena City College women's basketball team always had 3-point shooting as part of the Lancers repertoire. But that ability to make the outside shots has been a problem spot for recent PCC teams.
On Friday night, the state #15-ranked Lancers trailed host Los Angeles Trade Tech throughout the game's first 36 minutes, including a deficit of 13 (63-50) going into the fourth quarter. But that's when Merina Latu started burying treys. The sophomore guard hit four 3s, including one that gave PCC the lead for the first time at 75-74 with 3:26 left. Dariel Johnson added a bomb from the top of the circle with a minute remaining as the long-range shooting propelled PCC to an 84-77 victory.
The red-hot Lancers (16-5 overall) are 3-0 and tied for the South Coast Conference North Division lead with #8-ranked Mt. San Antonio. The teams will face-off for sole possession of first place on Wednesday, Feb. 5 at Hutto-Patterson Gymnasium. The key matchup tips off at 5 p.m.
In the fourth quarter, PCC outscored Trade Tech (13-11, 0-4), 34-14. The Lancers were 6-for-8 on 3s in the period and shot 10-for-15 from the field. At the free throw line, the Lancers also performed well in the final 10 minutes, making all eight of their free throws.
Latu finished with 23 points to go with four assists and three steals. Johnson added 16 points, 17 rebounds, five blocks, four steals and four assists in another performance that shows why she was an All-State First Team player last season as a freshman. Johnson also passed 700 points in her PCC career and with a current 714 she is just three points from 20th place, occupied by Ilianna Blanc (716, graduated 2017).
Sophomore point guard Cosette Balmy came off the bench midway through the first quarter and ran the team's fast break with 15 points and a surprising eight rebounds. Balmy fouled out during the final minutes, but Kaniya Hill, who has received starting assignments in the past month, picked up her game in the fourth quarter with six points of her eight points and strong defense.
Frosh starting forward Kristal Espinoza, the star of Wednesday's win at #14 East Los Angeles, came through in the fourth with a 3-pointer and a driving layup. She had 12 points, three assists and made three steals. Also contributing were reserve forward Pamela Gonzalez (six points and four rebounds) and starting forward Zaira Velasquez (four points, five boards).
Trade Tech led 19-13 after one period, stretched it to 45-34 after two and had the commanding 13-point lead going into the fourth. However, the Beavers missed their final seven shots from the field and committed three turnovers during PCC's late rally. Valisa Millhouse led LATT with 21 points.
Balmy is up to 638 points in her career, currently 28th place, but well in form to break into the program's Top 20 before season's end.