Mayberry’s free throws cap 2nd-half comeback, 51-49

Jennae Mayberry hit two free throws with 0:27 remaining on Friday, lifting SBCC to a 51-49 women's basketball win over Imperial Valley in the Victor Valley Crossover.

The Vaqueros, who were playing their first game in 19 days, improved to 5-1. Mayberry led SBCC with 12 points, nine rebounds and five of her six steals in the second half. Aaliyah Pauling added eight points and Lauren Noggle had four points and six boards.

The Arabs (2-5) led 27-15 at halftime and 41-35 after three quarters. The Vaqueros won the second half by 14 points (36-22).

Noggle hit two free throws to give the Vaqueros a 49-47 lead with 1:30 to play. Destiny Salgado scored on a putback to tie it at 49. Noggle came up with a steal at the 38-second mark and fed Mayberry, who was fouled on a fast-break layup.

Mayberry converted both foul shots for the winning points.

Salgado led all scorers with 20 points but only had six in the second half when Noggle started guarding her.

Tori Kelley and Michaela Berber hit back-to-back 3's to open the third quarter and ignite the Vaqueros' comeback. They scored 20 in the third period after managing just five and 10 points in the first two periods.

"We played everyone in the second half and we were shuffling players every three minutes because we were pressing and that's what got our offense going," said coach Sandrine Krul. "When we play everyone and they all do their roles, that's how you win close games. Our mental toughness was outstanding today."

The Vaqueros will take on Victor Valley on Saturday at 1 p.m.