SBCC Holds Off LA Mission 59-53, Improves to 3-1 in WSC Play

By: Aj Nagbe

SYLMAR, Calif. — The Vaqueros Women's Basketball team held off a late LA Mission rally, defeating the Eagles 59-53 on Saturday afternoon to win their third consecutive game and improve to 3-1 in Western State Conference (WSC) play.

Khaya Jackson led Santa Barbara with 14 points off the bench, while Aariah Fox added 10 points. Kaylee Lawson chipped in nine points and six rebounds, while Kenedy Nutter contributed six points off the bench. The Vaqueros shot 37.7% from the field but excelled at the free-throw line, converting 17-of-19 attempts at 89.5% to hold off LA Mission's late rally.

Santa Barbara built a 25-23 halftime lead and extended it to 46-31 after three quarters before LA Mission mounted a furious fourth-quarter comeback. The Eagles outscored the Vaqueros 22-13 in the final period, cutting the deficit to six points, but SBCC's clutch free-throw shooting down the stretch sealed the victory. Santa Barbara dominated the paint with 34 points compared to LA Mission's 26 and converted 16 points off 17 Eagle turnovers.

Coach Sandrine Krul praised the team's mental toughness and resilience following the 59-53 victory. "Just another gritty game, because they play so hard," Krul said. "There is no easy game in our conference. Every game is a grind, which is great. We love it."

Krul highlighted the team's ability to stay composed throughout the back-and-forth contest. "This team has bought into our saying 100% NPM, next play mentality," she said. "That's what Kaylee Lawson reminds us of. Every player off the bench is doing what they need to do, and our players are playing with heart. Just a nice team win."

Santa Barbara (14-6, 3-1) returns home to host Allan Hancock on Wednesday, Jan. 21, at 7 p.m. at Robertson Gym.