CSM WINS FIRST 2 GAMES BUT FALLS IN FINALE AT OWN TOURNEY

CSM WINS FIRST 2 GAMES BUT FALLS IN FINALE AT OWN TOURNEY

SAN MATEO -- Finally playing at home made a big difference for the College of San Mateo women's basketball team.

The Bulldogs won the first two games of the annual Tom Martinez Invitational before falling in the championship game to Northern California's winningest team, College of the Sequoias.

CSM (3-5) has one more home game this year, hosting Hartnell (2-7) on Friday at 7 p.m.

Kaitlyn Tamondong (29 points) and Brittney Lewis (28) were all-tournament selections for CSM.

CSM 60, FOLSOM LAKE 57:

CSM opened the 8-team statewide event with a 60-57 win over Folsom Lake on Friday night. The Bulldogs overcame a 14-point first half deficit and finally took the lead with 2 minutes to go on a putback by Nandi Eskridge, who had eight points,

Four others scored in double figures for San Mateo: Tamondong (13), Megan Jajeh (12), Lewis (11), and Kyana Wiley (10). Tamondong also had five steals.

Folsom went onto win its next two games, taking the consolation title over Santa Monica, 94-81.

CSM 74, REEDLEY 64:

The Bulldogs took their semifinal contest with Reedley, 74-64. The Tigers, who had been ranked 14th in Northern California, finished the tournament with two wins, taking the third place game, 79-72 over Shasta.

CSM got off fast to a 17-8 first quarter lead. The Bulldogs continued to improve their margin to 35-24, at halftime, and to 59-46, after three quarters. Lewis led with 14 points. Eskridge had 12 points and Victoria Mataele added 11 as San Mateo continued to receive balanced support from its full 10-player lineup. Seven players scored  in double figures during the invitational.

COS 94, CSM 62:

State No. 4 ranked Sequoias took control early in the title game en route to a 94-62 victory on Sunday. The Giants led, 30-19, at the quarter and, 56-27, at the half. CSM did outscore the Giants, 24-19, in the final period. Tamondong and Ava Agustin each had 10 points for the Bulldogs.

For Sequoias, the tournament MVP was Shae Sanchez, with Janelle Sumilong also an all-tourney selection. Both are sophomore guards. With the three wins in the tourney, Sequoias became the winningest team in Northern California and No. 2 among the state's 90 teams at 13-2. Sequoias has outscored its opponents this season by more than 25 points per game.

CSM Tom Martinez Invitational first day scores, Dec. 14:

College of the Sequoias 82, Santa Monica 37

Shasta 74, Merritt 57

Reedley 60, Butte 53

College of San Mateo 60, Folsom Lake 57

CSM Tom Martinez Invitational second day scores, Dec. 15:

Championship Semis:

College of San Mateo 74, Reedley 64

              College of the Sequoias 71, Shasta 49

Consolation Semis:

              Santa Monica 73, Merritt 56

              Folsom Lake 64, Butte 54

CSM Tom Martinez Invitational final day scores, Dec. 16:

Championship: College of the Sequoias 94, College of San Mateo 62

Third Place: Reedley 79, Shasta 72

Consolation: Folsom Lake 94, Santa Monica 81

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CONTACT: Fred Baer          baerf@smccd.edu