Solano uses big free-throw edge to beat Vaqueros 66-59

Solano outscored SBCC 20-1 at the free-throw line and rallied for a 66-59 women's basketball victory on Saturday night in the semifinals of the Vaqueros' MTXE Tournament.

The Falcons (3-2) made 20-of-29 free throws while the Vaqueros (3-1) were just 1-of-2.

Aaliyah Pauling poured in a season-high 25 points for SBCC, hitting 10-of-19 field goals and 5-11 from 3-point range. Pauling also had nine rebounds and nine assists. Lauren Noggle added 12 points and six rebounds.

Santa Barbara rode a 17-9 second quarter to lead 29-24 at the half. The Vaqueros took their largest lead of 10 points (38-28) on a three-point play by Jennae Mayberry with 7:33 to go in the third quarter.

Solano won the fourth quarter 23-13. The Falcons took the lead at 54-53 on a Jada Scott layup with 4:47 remaining and outscored the Vaqueros 12-6 the rest of the way.

"This game was all about us needing more players to score," said coach Sandrine Krul. "We also missed too many layups but we'll come back tomorrow and be ready to play."

Cabrillo beat MiraCosta 89-80 in the other semifinal. The Seahawks (2-0) will take on Solano in Sunday's championship game at 4 p.m.

Chabot topped San Mateo 76-65 and Victor Valley defeated De Anze 62-52. Chabot and Victor Valley will square off for the consolation title on Sunday at noon, followed by the third-place game between SBCC and MiraCosta at 2 p.m.