(Walnut, CA) After advancing to the championship game with an easy win over Merritt College in the semifinals, the Mounties lost to Butte College, 71-47, in the season-opening 26th Annual Linda G. Smith Memorial Tip-Off Tournament on Sunday (November 6).

With a big second and fourth quarter surge, Butte won its first title in the final tournament to be held at the current Mt. SAC gymnasium, as the new gym and pool complex will be completed in 2023. 

In the 26 years of the Tip-Off Tournament, the Mounties have previously won 14 times, with the last title coming in 2019.

Semifinal game

Mt. SAC 86, Merritt 55

A second easy win to start off the season against Merritt (Oakland) saw the Mounties start the season 2-0.

A 52-point first half, highlighted the semifinal win, as sophomore guard Kamesha Moore (6-8 FGM-A, 2-2 FTM-A, 3 RB, 7 Assists), who was an All-SCC 1st Team selection last season, scored a team-high 14 points and two other Mounties also scored in double figures – Jamya Mickens (12 Pts., 6-8 FGM-A, 4 RB, 3 A) and Kameria Piggee (10 Pts., 5-6 FGM-A, 7 RB, 1 A, 2 Stls.).

Sophomore guard Briana Lizardi (3-7 FGM-A, 3-3 FTM-A, 3 RB, 4 A, 2 Stls.) and freshman guard Dailani Richardson (4-8 FGM-A, 3 A, 3 Stls.) added nine and eight points, respectively.

Mt. SAC will host Orange Coast College on Wednesday (Nov. 16) in a non-conference game.

Championship game

Butte 71, Mt. SAC 47

A 24-point win by Butte sent Mt. SAC to its first loss of the season in the annual tourney.

The Roadrunners, spurred on by a 33-19 first half, finished off the Mounties with another big quarter in the fourth with 21 points.

Moore (6-14 FGM-A, 4-4 FTM-A, 3 RB, 6 A, 4 Stls.), who was on the All-Tournament team, led the Mounties with 16 points, while Mickens (2-6 FGM-A, 2-2 FTM-A, 5 RB) and Piggee (3-6 FGM-A, 8 RB) added six points each. Piggee was also named to the All-Tournament team for the Mounties.

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For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.