Bulldogs & Branum Bounce Back with Key Win at Ventura

VENTURA, Calif. - The Allan Hancock College women's basketball program got back on track after pulling off a 66-52 victory against Ventura College in a Wednesday evening road contest.  | BOX SCORE

This marks AHC's second win over the Pirates, and first on the road, in the last 20 meetings between the two programs. The two squads join Santa Barbara City College in a three-way tie for second place amongst the Western State Conference (North) foes at the conclusion of round one action. The unbeaten Moorpark College Raiders currently lead all programs with a spotless 6-0 league record.

The Bulldogs (15-7, 4-2 WSC) got off to a slow start and trailed early before cutting a nine point deficit down to a single-basket difference through the final three minutes of the first half. A layup from Kayla Taylor knotted the score on the first possession after play resumed and sparked a 19-3 run over the next seven ticks. The hosting Pirates (15-6, 4-2 WSC) managed to cut the difference to six points after sinking a three-pointer and a few free throws, but the Bulldogs quickly snuffed out the comeback attempt. Coach Scott's squad put the game away after rattling off an 11-0 run down the stretch, which was highlighted by a trio of successful shots from long distance by Mallory Branum. 

As a team, Hancock finished with a 45.5 percent showing from the field while going 8-for-18 (44.4%) from three-point land. The visiting crew also scored 26 points off of 20 turnovers by the Pirates and narrowly won the rebounding battle. Branum came off the bench to lead all scorers on the night after overcoming a three-game scoring slump. The Lompoc native poured in 19 points and finished 7-for-12 from the field, which included three shots from beyond the arc and a pair of free throws. Chloe Blankenship also finished in double figures, scoring 17 points, while snagging eight rebounds. Alexandria Paquet rounded out the top performers by dishing out six assists while adding nine points. 

The Bulldogs are set to return to action on Wednesday, February 1st, with a road trip to Oxnard College for round two of WSC play.