Walnut, Calif. – The Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC) Women's Basketball Team opened the 2024–25 season in dominant fashion, winning all three of their games at the Mt. SAC Tip-Off Tournament held October 31–November 2. Featuring several top programs from across the state, the tournament showcased why the defending state champion Mounties are already making a strong case for back-to-back titles.
GAME 1: Mt. SAC Outlasts Laney, 68–58 (OT)
As a surprise to nobody, returning state champion guard Elizabeth Udeze picked up right where she left off, leading the Mounties with 17 points, 5 rebounds, and a stellar 9-for-10 performance from the free-throw line. Armani Owens added a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds, while Tierra Taylor provided a spark off the bench, contributing 14 points.
Mt. SAC led comfortably 51–34 heading into the fourth quarter, but foul trouble allowed Laney to rally and tie the game at 55–55, forcing overtime. After a quick reset from Head Coach Brian Crichlow, the Mounties refocused and shut down the Eagles' offense, holding them to just two points in the extra period. Naomi Acuna, Owens, Taylor, and Makayla Haddock combined for nine points in overtime to seal the 68–58 victory.
GAME 2: Mounties Roll Past Victor Valley, 83–37
Despite coming off an injury, Taliyah McFerson made an immediate impact, leading all scorers with 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 steals. Udeze and Janessa Rodriguez each added 10 points as Mt. SAC dominated from start to finish. Every Mountie who saw the court contributed to the scoring column in a true team effort.
Mt. SAC outperformed Victor Valley across the board, tallying 58 rebounds, 18 assists, 14 steals, and limiting turnovers to just 14. In contrast, the Rams managed 35 rebounds, 4 assists, 6 steals, and committed 29 turnovers. Belinda Rincon led Victor Valley with 12 points, while Mya Graham-Scott added 10.
GAME 3: Mt. SAC Edges College of the Sequoias, 60–56
In a rematch of last year's 3C2A State Semifinal, the Mounties faced off against the powerhouse that is College of the Sequoias (COS) and came away with a hard-fought 60–56 win.
The game was a back-and-forth battle from start to finish. After trading leads through the first quarter, COS surged ahead in the second to take a 32–26 halftime lead. The Giants extended their advantage to nine points in the third before a late push—highlighted by a three-pointer from Dylan Tse and a jumper from Udeze—closed the gap to 42–41 heading into the fourth.
Midway through the final period, another clutch three from Tse put the Mounties back on top. A free throw from Leiayjah Mills in the final minute gave Mt. SAC the lead for good, and baskets from McFerson and Mills down the stretch sealed the win.
COS's Nyla Anderson led all scorers with 17 points. For Mt. SAC, McFerson and Tse each scored 15 points, with Acuna adding 14. McFerson also grabbed 10 rebounds to complete the double-double and key the Mounties' comeback.
NEXT UP:
The Mounties (3–0) host San Diego Mesa (0–1) on Wednesday, November 12 at 6:00 PM at the Mt. SAC Gymnasium.
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.
