Tigers Lose, 79-73, At L.A. Valley Friday; End Season at 19-11 Overall

VAN NUYS -- Watching a halftime lead disappear in the third quarter, the Riverside City College (RCC) Tigers women's basketball team lost a 79-73 California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) South Regional second round playoff game to the host Los Angeles Valley College (LAVC) Monarchs Friday night an Monarch Gymnasium.

Riverside City (19-11 overall) -- seeded No. 11 in the South -- nursed a 38-37 halftime lead into a 45-41 lead with seven minutes to go in the third quarter before the hosts went on a 19-5 to close the period with a 60-50 lead.

RCC was paced by sophomore guard Britney Gonzalez, who had a game-high 25 points before fouling out. Sophomore guard Chiderah Uzowuru added 19 points and 11 rebounds, and Darria Hewitt chipped in with 13 points and 14 rebounds. Sophomore center Paradise Hanchett had seven points and a game-high 16 rebounds.

L.A. Valley (23-6 overall) -- seeded No. 6 in the South -- was paced by Lydia Pope, who had 24 points and a game-high eight assists. Tyler Polk added 13 points and Yolanda Ealy chipped in with 11 markers.

L.A. Valley advances to play the winner between No. 3 Ventura and No. 14  Santa Monica. Ventura will host Santa Monica on Saturday, Feb. 25, with the winner playing LAVC on Saturday, Mar. 4, for a trip to the CCCAA Championships (Mar. 10-11-12) nat Las Positas College in Livermore.

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