Visalia, Calif. – The Mt. SAC Women's Basketball Team kicked off the Gilcrest Tournament, hosted by College of the Sequoias, with a commanding 76-41 win over Cerro Coso on Thursday, December 5. With this win, the Mounties continue to display their dominance on the court as their record improved to 7-1, while the Coyotes dropped to 7-2. The Mounties' only loss so far this season came against College of the Sequoias during the Mt. SAC Tip-Off Tournament earlier this season.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

The game got off to a slow start overall with the Mounties getting on the board first after two minutes of play with an offensive rebound followed by a layup from Taliyah McFerson. After another two minutes of defensive stands, Elizabeth Udeze sank a pair of free throws, and Aanisah Moncrief followed with a layup to extend the lead to 6-0. Halfway through the first quarter, the Coyotes got on the board with a three-point shot followed quickly by a layup, both from Alexis Staton, but Mt. SAC closed out the period strong, highlighted by back-to-back scores from top scorer Daisia Mitchell. The Mounties led 17-6 after the first.

In the second period, Mt. SAC showcased their offensive firepower and defensive intensity as they racked up 18 points while pulling down 17 rebounds and recording six steals. Naomi Acuna made a strong impact off the bench, adding seven points and two steals, while Mitchell continued to shine, contributing six points and three rebounds. Cerro Coso struggled to keep pace, managing only five points in the period. Jump shots by Shaniyah McCarthy and Lia Sims, along with a free throw from Staton, accounted for the Coyotes' limited scoring. Mt. SAC entered halftime with a commanding 35-11 advantage.

The Coyotes found their rhythm in the third quarter, posting their highest scoring period of the game with 16 points. However, the Mounties responded with an even stronger performance, racking up 26 points—their highest-scoring quarter as well. McFerson was instrumental on both ends, contributing key steals and layups, while Alana Diaz made crucial blocks and defensive rebounds to maintain the momentum. Mitchell continued to lead the offense, adding jump shots and assists that extended Mt. SAC's lead. Cerro Coso saw a spark from Sims and Staton, who combined for layups and free throws to keep their team in the fight. By the end of the third, Mt. SAC held a 61-27 lead.

The final period saw Mt. SAC maintaining their dominance. Mitchell and Destiny King delivered steady scoring, while the team's defensive efforts thwarted any hopes of a comeback from Cerro Coso. Despite the Coyotes' best efforts, the Mounties' teamwork and rebounding sealed the deal with a 76-41 victory.  

BY THE NUMBERS:

Mt. SAC:

• Daisia Mitchell: Game-high 24 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists
• Taliyah McFerson: 16 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, 6 steals
• Aanisah Moncrief: 9 points, 12 rebounds, 2 steals
• Alana Diaz: 8 points, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks
• Bench Standouts: Naomi Acuna (7 points, 5 rebounds), Elizabeth Udeze (5 points on 5 free throws)

Cerro Coso:

• Alexis Staton: Team-high 17 points, 5 rebounds
• Shaniyah McCarthy: 8 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist

Team Stats:

• Shooting: Mt. SAC – 43.5% (30-69); Cerro Coso – 22.2% (14-63)
• Rebounds: Mt. SAC – 57; Cerro Coso – 36
• Turnovers: Mt. SAC – 18; Cerro Coso – 21

UP NEXT:

The No. 4 ranked Mt. SAC Mounties will face off against the No. 7 ranked Laney College Eagles on Friday at 5:00 PM at Porter Fieldhouse as the Gilcrest Tournament continues.

STAY CONNECTED:

Follow Mt. SAC Women's Basketball on Twitter @MtSAC_WBKB or Instagram /mt.sacwbk/

Follow Mt. SAC Athletics on Twitter @MtSAC_athletics Instagram /mtsac_athletics/ or Facebook @Mountie.Athletics

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