Cougars Basketball Comes Up Short Against #20 Victor Valley College

FINAL STATS

TAFT, CA – It wasn't a game that Taft College not only came up short in losing the game, but literally Victor Valley College had three players in size advantage: 6'1", 6'2", and 6'2". Taft's tallest player is 5'9". Taft doesn't make excuses for playing an opponent with size advantage, as they have won most of their games being at a height disadvantage.

Victor Valley won the game 82-70 this past Wednesday in the Al Baldock Cougar Sports Center. Taft, however, came out on fire surprising #20 ranked Lady Rams winning the first quarter 25-21. Victor Valley, realizing they were in for a game, came back and won the second quarter 22-17 leading at halftime 43-42. The game was won in the third quarter where the Rams outscored the Cougars heavily 23-5. Taft would rally back in the fourth quarter 23-16, but as mentioned, they came up short, a bit too late.

Taft Women's Head Basketball Coach Romeo Lagmay, Jr. shared his comments, "I just love the way we fight. Not one of our players showed fear, and that's a great team characteristic to have. It was good to play a high-quality team like that, so that in the long run it'll pay off in conference play. I'm just glad to see more and more campus and community support in the stands. Our program really appreciates it."

Ebony Black-Smith was the game's leading scorer from the Rams with a double double of 27 points and 12 rebounds. Teammates Karoline Ellison and Natalie Galaviz each scored 18 and 11, respectively.

As for Taft, Celicia Enos had her career high against a highly credible opponent scoring 29 points. Brandy Edwards added 19 points, along with 8 rebounds. Jasmeen Lemons contributed with 10 points. Alizah Lara scored 1 point, the lowest in her freshman debut, but had a team high 9 rebounds. Siera Bradford, led the game with 7 assists, along with 5 points, 4 rebounds and 2 steals.

The Cougars will play this Saturday, December 2 at College of the Desert with a tipoff starting at 3:00 pm.

Taft College is now 6-3 on the season, looking to snap a two-game losing streak.