Lino Leads Bulldogs Past Oxnard

The injury stricken Bulldogs came into the contest against Oxnard in need of a victory. The Bulldogs have dropped their last four games with their last victory was against Oxnard on January 19th

Oxnard is having struggles of their own, with a record of 5-16 overall, 0-6 in conference. The Condors traveled to Santa Maria in search of sweet revenge.

The Bulldogs got off to slow start, turning the ball over on their first three possessions and putting only three points on the scoreboard halfway through the first quarter. 

Great team defense and a 7-point flurry by sophomore guard Tawny Lino would give the Bulldogs a 10-0 run and some separation in the first quarter.

Leading 16-8, the Bulldogs struggled to find the hole in the second quarter. Oxnard took advantage of missed lay-ups and turnovers by the Bulldogs, closing the gap to 20-24 at halftime.    

The third quarter would be an even match-up, with the Condors slightly outscoring the Bulldogs 17-16.

A defensive stance in the beginning of the fourth quarter by the Bulldogs would be the difference the game. The Bulldogs held the Condors scoreless for the first five minutes of the quarter. Great offensive execution and reliable free-throw shooting allowed the Bulldogs pull away, winning the game 44-61.

It was a big scoring night for Lino, who led all scorers with 29-points, knocking down 14 of 20 free-throws, and collecting 6 steals. Freshman guard Danielle Morgan netted 17-points and grabbed 9 rebounds. Sophomore forward Tashara Pruett snatched down double-digit rebounds with 10.

"It was a huge night for Lino," said Head Coach Cary Nerelli. "We played really well in stretches as a team. It was a good win for us."

The Bulldogs travel to Ventura College this Wednesday  January 13th to take on the Pirates. Tip-off is at 7pm.