Women's Basketball Back In State Rankings (#T25), Hold Off Rio Hondo

In eight previous meetings, Rio Hondo College had won five against the Pasadena City College women's basketball team. The recently ranked state #T25 Lancers were not going to take the Roadrunners, a 4-18 team this season, lightly, and battled to finally get past the Whittier crew, 77-70 on Wednesday night.

The game was originally to be hosted at Rio Hondo, but facility issues there caused the move to PCC.

PCC (14-9) trailed 22-17 after one quarter and tied it at 32-32 by halftime. An Antuanae Garrett layup ended six lead changes in a furious third quarter as PCC led 49-47 going into the fourth period. 

Vanessa Epperson broke a 51-51 tie on a 3-pointer with seven minutes left. Abigail Saville hit a short jumper, Lamia Daley scored a fast-break basket, and then Epperson sank another triple as PCC led 61-55 with less than five minutes left. Rio Hondo did not threaten from that point.

Garrett posted a double-double on 20 points and 10 rebounds plus six assists and three steals. Daley added 19 points, nine boards and four assists while Epperson, who sat the entire first half due to a coach's decision, sparked in the second half with 18 points (4-for-7 beyond the arc) plus four assists. 

Saville also registered a double-double on 15 points and 11 rebounds. Center Crystal Smith collected six points, all on free throws, six rebounds and two blocks, and Jessica Lopez took advantage of a rare start by delivering strong defense and team play with three assists and three rebounds. 

For Rio Hondo, Emily Liu scored 20 points and made nine rebounds while Miranda Morales drilled four 3-point baskets as part of her 18 points. 

Coach Joe Peron's Lancers will play at East Los Angeles College on Friday, Feb. 9 in a 7 p.m. conference tip-off.