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

Late Game Run Pushes Riverside past Fullerton

It could be seen as a must win game for the Riverside City College women's basketball team as they played host to the Fullerton College Hornets in conference action. The game came down to the wire featuring a tie score and just two minutes remaining, but a 7-0 run to close out the game handed the Tigers a 66-59 victory.

It is the second-consecutive showdown that Riverside relied on a late-game run leading to the victory and this time the Hornets were the victim. With under a minute and one half remaining, an offensive rebound from freshman guard Neiya Hamilton led to a jumper from freshman forward Neveah Manning that put Riverside up by two points. Fullerton followed by missing a three pointer leading to a Tiger timeout that advanced the ball.

Riverside clutched up at the free throw line with Manning hitting one on the ensuing possession and sophomore guard Regenus Gates cashing in two to put the final nail in the coffin.

Riverside dominated in the paint showcased by 28 points and 58 rebounds; 22 more boards than the Hornets. Furthermore, the offense produced a 38.7 shooting percentage encompassing a 31.3 mark from downtown.

It was the Manning show once again as she produced her seventh double-double of the season and second-consecutive with a game-high 19 points and 12 rebounds.

Three other players landed in double-digit scoring with Hamilton clocking in 10 points for the second-consecutive night. It is her third-straight game with double-digit points.

Gates finished with 11 points, five rebounds and a team-high three assists, while freshman forward Maxine Nejera posted 10 points, eight rebounds and a pair of assists.