
Long Beach, Calif. – The Mt. SAC Women's Basketball Team faced a heartbreaking overtime loss to Long Beach City College, 68-66, on Wednesday, January 15. Despite entering the matchup ranked No. 2 in the state, the Mounties dropped to 15-4 while the No. 23-ranked Vikings improved to 10-6.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The Mounties got off to a strong start with back-to-back jump shots from Alana Diaz and Aanisah Moncrief. However, Long Beach quickly answered with a three-pointer by Kimberly Cruz-Martinez and a layup by Brillana Boyd, signaling their intent to battle. Armani Owens provided a spark for Mt. SAC off the bench, scoring three quick baskets and securing key rebounds to give the Mounties a 16-10 lead at the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Mt. SAC's defense remained strong with eight rebounds and two steals, but their shooting faltered. They managed just 10 points on 27.3% shooting (3-11), allowing the Vikings to close the gap. At halftime, the Mounties held a slim 26-23 lead.
The third quarter continued as a back-and-forth battle, with both teams exchanging points. Contributions from Naomi Acuna, Frances Potts, Elizabeth Udeze, and Taliyah McFerson helped the Mounties outscore the Vikings 14-12 and extend their lead to 40-35 heading into the fourth.
The fourth quarter saw an offensive surge from both teams. Boyd led the Vikings with nine points, including five clutch free throws, while Cruz-Martinez and Alahnie Tunu added key baskets. Mt. SAC fought to maintain their edge with contributions from Udeze, Owens, and Potts. A late foul by Ryann Riddle sent Tunu to the line with 14 seconds left, where she calmly sank two free throws to tie the game at 58-58 and force overtime.
In an intense extra period, both teams traded baskets, with Moncrief and Udeze stepping up for the Mounties. However, with six seconds remaining and the score tied at 66, Cruz-Martinez hit a clutch jump shot to put the Vikings ahead 68-66. Mt. SAC called a timeout, but Frances Potts' three-point attempt in the final seconds missed, sealing the Vikings' upset victory.
Noticeably absent from her usual standout performance was Mt. SAC superstar Daisia Mitchell, who struggled to make an impact against the Vikings. Whether it was an off night or a strategic defensive focus from Long Beach, Mitchell's struggles were a key storyline in the loss.
BY THE NUMBERS:
- Elizabeth Udeze (Mt. SAC): Team-high 13 points, 6 rebounds
- Armani Owens (Mt. SAC): 11 points, 6 rebounds
- Taliyah McFerson (Mt. SAC): 10 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists
- Brillana Boyd (Long Beach): Game-high 22 points, 9 rebounds
- Kimberly Cruz-Martinez (Long Beach): 18 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals
- Alahnie Tunu (Long Beach): 15 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists
TEAM STATS:
- Shooting: Mt. SAC – 39.3% (24-61); Long Beach – 42.0% (21-50)
- Three-Point Shooting: Mt. SAC – 13.3% (2-15); Long Beach – 50.0% (4-8)
- Free Throw Shooting: Mt. SAC – 69.6% (16-23); Long Beach – 73/3% (22-30)
- Rebounds: Mt. SAC – 34; Long Beach – 29
- Turnovers: Mt. SAC – 13; Long Beach – 12
UP NEXT:
The Mounties will travel to face Cerritos College on Friday, January 17, at 5:00 PM. This will be their final game before opening South Coast Conference North Division play against Rio Hondo on Wednesday, January 22.
STAY CONNECTED:
Follow Mt. SAC Women's Basketball on Twitter @MtSAC_WBKB or Instagram /mt.sacwbk/
Follow Mt. SAC Athletics on Twitter @MtSAC_athletics Instagram /mtsac_athletics/ or Facebook @Mountie.Athletics
For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.