By John M. Sherrard
(Fullerton, CA) A Mountie late fourth-quarter comeback eventually leads to a 80-76 overtime win over Cerritos College. The Mt. SAC Women's Basketball team wins their fourth consecutive Colleen Riley Holiday Invitational Championship Friday night at Fullerton College.
Led by guard Dominique McLaughlin's 25 points, the Mounties (14-3) scored the last seven points in regulation to tie the game 68-68 to send it into OT and held on for the win.
The tournament win was the third of the season for the Mounties and second in a row. They recently won the Antelope Valley College Holiday Tourney.
The victory over Cerritos (12-7) was the 14th in a row, dating back to the 2010-11 season.
McLaughlin (9 of 18 FG, 4 of 4 FT, 10 RB, 7 Assists, 2 Steals, 2 Blocks) took charge late for the Mounties scoring 13 of the last 17 Mt. SAC points in regulation and overtime.
With the Mounties trailing by seven points 68-61 and with 1:19 remaining in regulation, they reeled off seven consecutive points, two free throws by forward Jonnae Vermillion (7 of 12 FG, 5-9 FT, 6 Assists, 19 points) and five points by McLaughlin.
McLaughlin, who drained a 3-pointer with :18 left to close within 68-66, was fouled with :07 left in the game and drained the two free throws to tie the game and send it into OT.
Helping their cause was the Mountie defense creating three Cerritos turnovers late in regulation.
McLaughlin took charge in overtime scoring eight of the 12 Mt. SAC points, including two crucial free throws with :18 left that gave the Mounties a six-point cushion, 80-74.
The Falcons were just 1 of 4 in the extra period and the Mounties out rebounded Cerritos 55-37.
Tournament MVP, Jonnae Vermillion had a game-high 14 rebounds and guard Tiana Douglas (7-10 FG, 5-8 FT) brought down 12 boards.
Guard Deja Siaki (4-5 FT, 6 RB, Steal) added 13 points for the Mounties, which included two 3-pointers.
McLaughlin and Douglas were selected to the All-Tournament Team.
Mt. SAC begins 2018 with a nonconference contest against Long Beach City College, the third time they will face the Vikings this season. The game is this Friday, January 5th at Mt. SAC at 6:00 pm.
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For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.