Women’s Basketball Wins Santa Ana Tournament

After a heavy slate of home action throughout November, the Riverside City College women's basketball team kicked off an eight-game road trip starting with three games at the Santa Ana College Tournament over the weekend. Riverside dominated in all three games by beating a trio of San Diego teams leading to a tournament title. 

Sophomore forward Neveah Manning was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player (MVP) after putting up strong numbers. She had her best night in a win over San Diego Mesa where she dropped a season-high 27 points to go along with 10 rebounds for her fifth double-double of the season. Additionally, she flushed 13 points in a win over San Diego City. So far this season, she nearly averages a double-double with 14.2 points-per-game and nine rebounds-per-game.

Freshman guard Makayla Roberts earned All-Tournament honors after facilitating a potent offensive effort. She shined in the passing game by tallying 18 assists to go along with 16 rebounds and seven steals. She has started every game this season and has played over 30 minutes in each contest.

The Tigers started strong with a dominant win over San Diego City. The Tigers shot well from the floor as seen in a 46.5 shooting percentage highlighted by a 45.5 mark from long range. They outrebounded the Knights by 11 and turned the ball over four fewer times.

Three players landed in double-digit figures highlighted by sophomore guard Shanon Jordan's 13 points, two assists and two rebounds. It was her third double-digit scoring game of the season. Manning followed with 13 points and seven rebounds, while sophomore forward Maxine Najera dropped 10 points and racked up seven boards.

The Tigers followed with an even stronger performance against San Diego Mesa by defeating them 80-54. They shot 50 percent from long range and held SD Mesa to a measly 14.3 mark from distance. Additionally, they commanded paint play as seen in a 59-30 rebound spread in Riverside's favor.

Manning dropped a season-high 27 points and 10 rebounds, while Najera matched her double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Sophomore Mya Clark dropped 10 points off the bench for her second double-digit showing.

They capped the weekend with a championship victory by routing MiraCosta, 61-45. It was a three-point game after the opening 10 minutes, but Riverside pulled away by outscoring the Spartans by 11 points in the second quarter. Both teams were identical on paper, but the Tigers forced 34 Spartan turnovers and transformed them into 28 points.

Freshman guard N'Dya Parks led the team with 16 points off the bench, which was three points off her career-high mark. Jordan followed with 11 points and three steals, while sophomore guard Neiya Hamilton bucketed nine points in a starting role.