Photo by Bobby R. Hester
Photo by Bobby R. Hester

Women’s Basketball Edges Fullerton to Keep Playoff Hopes Alive

It was an all of nothing scenario for the Riverside City College women's basketball team as they entered into a crucial Orange Empire Conference (OEC) showdown with the Fullerton College Hornets. After falling victim to the Hornets in their first meeting of the season on home hardwood, the Tigers rebounded and edged Fullerton on the road, 74-71, to keep their playoff hopes intact.

The Tiger offense shined as they were as efficient as they have been all season. The carted a 50.9 shooting percentage while holding the Hornets to a mere 34.9 percent clip. Riverside did most of their damage from inside the arc as seen in 34 points in the paint. They hit five of their 10 shots from distance, while holding Fullerton to a lowly 9-for-31 (29%) from long range.

The usual offensive suspects struck for Riverside as sophomore guard Trinity Vasquez paced the Tigers with 24 points on a 10-for-16 night from the floor. She was responsible for two of the Tigers five three pointers and hit a set of free throws. Furthermore, she snagged five boards, dished out four assists and four steals.

The resurgence of freshman forward Rebecca London has been crucial to the Tiger's success. Her 20 points in the victory marks the fifth-consecutive time she has landed in double-digit scoring. It also acts as her season high and her highest mark since November 9 where she bucketed 18 points against No. 1 Moorpark.

Freshman duo Asia Anderson and Regenus Gates each scored seven points, while freshman Le'Asia Gayle came off the bench to chip in seven points. She hauled in eight boards as well.

The Tigers (14-10, 6-5 OEC) will enter their final week of conference action as they take on Orange Coast Wednesday, February 19 on the road, barring a cancellation. Stay tuned to www.rccathletics.com for more information.