Women' Basketball loses in overtime

Women' Basketball loses in overtime

The San Diego Mesa women's basketball team loses 56-50 in overtime to Long Beach College on Friday at the Hornets' Nest in Fullerton. 

Once again, the Olympians came out firing creating a 6-point lead after the first quarter. In six games this season, Mesa has held the lead in the first and second quarter. Asked what the team needs to overcome in order to close out games, head coach Dorchella James states, "we are a young team and we are turning the ball over at the worst times. We have to eliminate unforced errors. Once we fix that, we'll start winning."

After a few questionable calls and costly turnovers, Long Beach College was able to stretch the game into overtime. 

"We have been going through this pattern late in the games," states James. "Turnovers, then a key player fouls out, missing layups, and not executing plays we drew up. We have to be better."

Freshman Yusra Gharram (Mission Bay HS) led the Olympians with 17 points. Freshman guard Samantha LeMay-Zambrano (Mission Bay HS) contributed 9 points and 6 assists, and freshman guard Aaliyah Williams (Patrick Henry HS) added 9 points and 6 rebounds. 

"Losing games like this hurt," says James. "We are committing errors that can be fixed. Although this loss stings, I am somewhat relieved that it's still pre-season. With conference games right around the corner, we need to fix this quickly."

For her outstanding play in the tournament, freshman Lavinia Moa (The Preuss School) was named on the all-tournament team.

The Olympians will be back on the court on Friday, January 11 as they travel to take on Imperial Valley College. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:00 p.m.