Blanc Bucket Caps Women's Cagers Rally

The Pasadena City College women's basketball team trailed pesky host El Camino College by 11 points with less than seven minutes remaining Friday night. But the Lancers are the state's No. 11-ranked team for a reason. They completed a heroic rally on Ilianna Blanc's jump shot with one minute left to defeat the Warriors, 70-69.

Reserve guard Julissa Aguirre hit a pair of 3-point baskets during the comeback as PCC improved to 16-3 overall. El Camino (6-9) traded a few leads and took a 69-68 advantage on a pair of free throws by Kayla Bibb with 1:11 on the clock. Blanc took a pass from second-year guard Jolene Robinson and made the game-winning basket as she finished with a game-high 21 points. The sophomore forward added six rebounds, four assists and four steals.

Robinson contributed 12 points, four assists and three steals while letterman center Kailyn Gideon tallied seven points, 11 rebounds and blocked three shots. Off the bench, Samaiyah Abdullah and Alisa Shinn each scored nine points and Aguirre finished with six. 

The Lancers embark on a very difficult 10-game, South Coast Conference North Division schedule on Wednesday, Jan. 18 when they host No. 17-ranked Los Angeles Trade Tech. Tip-off for all conference games are 7 p.m. (following the men's games at 5 p.m.). 

"It's clear we are playing in the toughest conference in the state," said PCC head coach Joe Peron. "I wouldn't have it any other way. You have to beat great teams to go far in the playoffs, so you might as well be tested game in and game out. Two games each v. East Los Angeles, Mt. San Antonio, and Trade Tech will be a challenge. I expect Chaffey and Rio Hondo to also play at their best against us. We look forward to the conference battles."