Women's Basketball Outlasts SBCC in Sophomore Night Win, 60-53

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - The Allan Hancock College women's basketball team held on to secure another Western State Conference (North) victory over Santa Barbara City College, 60-53, inside of the Joe White Memorial Gymnasium on Wednesday evening. Prior to the game, the program honored six individuals as part of the Sophomore Night festivities: India Dowling-Green, Mallory Branum, Chyanna Tell, Giselle Calderon, and Cinthia Martinez-Vera. | BOX SCORE

The back-and-forth affair saw 10 lead changes and seven ties throughout regulation. Santa Barbara (11-16, 5-6) held a 21-16 lead at the end of the first quarter but the Bulldogs (15-12, 8-3) led by one at the intermission after Branum sparked a second quarter comeback. Offensive production was slow for both programs following the intermission break as the two teams combined for just 17 points in the frame, which closed with a 38-38 tie. Coach Smith's squad began to pull away in the final five minutes of action when a layup from Calderon sparked a 7-0 run for a much-needed cushion. 

Hancock closed the night with a 34.4 percent finish from the field while limiting SBCC to just a 26.7 percent showing. The Bulldogs also dominated inside, outrebounding the visitors at a hefty 55-37 margin while putting up 26 points in the paint. Branum led the way with 17 points, followed by a double-double from Khaelii Robertson-Mack (15 points, 13 rebounds) and 14 points from Calderon. 

The Bulldogs will finish the regular season on Friday, February 23rd, on the road at Ventura College.