Hancock Women Erase 16-Point Deficit to Earn First Conference Win 62-59 at L.A. Pierce Behind Double-Double from Rodriguez

Ali Rodriguez scored a team-high 23 points and pulled down a career-best 12 rebounds to lead a furious second half comeback in the Allan Hancock College women's basketball team's 62-59 win at L.A. Pierce on Wednesday night. The Bulldogs captured their first Western State Conference victory by erasing a 16-point half time deficit. Hancock outscored the Brahmas 48-29 in the final 20 minutes. Hancock improved to 1-3 in conference and 9-11 overall. Pierce fell to 1-4 in league.

Rodriguez made seven of 24 shots from the floor, including two of 11 from three-point range. The sophomore guard made seven of11 free throws and pulled down 11 defensive rebounds. Celina Calderon added 13 points on three for eight shooting from the floor and six of eight from the charity stripe. The Lompoc High School graduate added four rebounds. Tashara Pruett finished with 11 points and six rebounds thanks to a five for six effort from the free throw line. Michaila Miller added nine points, four rebounds, two steals and three assists.

Hancock trailed 30-14 at halftime after hitting just four of its 25 shots (16 percent). But thanks to a 15 for 31 effort in the second half (48 percent), the Bulldogs finished the game at 34 percent (19 for 56 overall). They hit four of 17 from three-point range (23 percent) and made 20 of their 29 free throws (69 percent). Hancock pulled down 38 rebounds, including 13 on the offensive glass.

Hancock returns to action on Saturday, Jan. 24, at home when the Bulldogs host the Vaqueros at 5 p.m. The Vaqueros fell 71-27 at Ventura on Wednesday to remain winless in conference action at 0-4 and 5-14 overall.