The MSJC women's basketball team took over sole possession of first place in the Inland Empire Athletic Conference this past week with wins over Palo Verde and Victor Valley.
Wednesday the #12 ranked Eagles traveled to Blythe to take on Palo Verde and dominated the game from the start building a lead of 37-16 by halftime and then cruising to a 78-43 victory. Kohen Marshall led a balanced offensive attack for MSJC with 15 points, she also grabbed 7 rebounds. Drasoni Kyles added 14 points while both Trinity Skinner and Princess McCauley scored 10 each. Vika Afungia added 9 points and 7 rebounds.
Wednesday's win set up a showdown for first place in the IEAC as the teams hit the halfway point of the conference season. Saturday #11 ranked Victor Valley came to town 7-0 in league games and 16-3 overall, but a strong second quarter by the Eagles set the tone for MSJC to win 57-44. The Rams led after the opening quarter 10-7, but MSJC responded by outscoring them 22-10 in the second to take a halftime lead of 29-20. The Eagles were able to keep the lead the rest of the way to secure their 13th straight win. Afungia had a tremendous game as she controlled the paint, scoring 16 points and pulling in a career high 20 rebounds. Marshall added 16 points, and McCauley had a double double with 11 points and 10 boards.
MSJC, who is now 8-0 in conference play and 17-3 overall, will play two games this week. Monday the Eagles will host Chaffey at 5 pm and Wednesday the team will travel to Joshua Tree to take on Copper Mountain.