(Walnut, CA) The Mt. SAC Women's Basketball team opened the 2023-24 season with a 61-49 victory over Hope International JV in the 27th Annual Linda G. Smith Memorial Tip-Off Tournament, hosted by the Mounties on Friday night, November 3.

With this win, Mt. SAC (No. 4 in the state preseason poll) advances to the tournament semifinals on Saturday, November 4, and will face Long Beach City College. The Mounties have emerged as the winners of the tip-off tournament 14 times over the years.

The leading scorer was sophomore guard Dailani Richardson (6-14 FGM-A, 11-12 FTM-A, 2 Steals, 6 RB) with 23 points. Freshman G/F Daisia Mitchell (6-16 FGM-A, 2-4 FTM-A, 4 A, 4 Stls., Blk) contributed 14 points and secured a game-high 15 rebounds. Freshman forward Alana Diaz (2-5 FGM-A, 4-4 FTM-A, 3 RB, 1 A) came off the bench and added eight points. Freshman forward Aanisah Moncrief contributed 11 points for the Mounties.

With 3:36 remaining in the opening quarter and the Mounties holding a one-point lead of 8-7, Richardson made three consecutive free throws, and they quickly gained momentum. They concluded the quarter with an 11-0 run, leading 19-7.

The Royals managed to score 17 points in the second quarter, keeping the score close at halftime, 30-24. However, Mt. SAC outscored Hope 31-25 in the second half to secure the win.

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