TAFT, CA- Taft College Women's Basketball finally wins a barn burner game in their favor, after nine lead changes and the score tied four times. Taft defeated Allan Hancock College 85-84 in Santa Maria, CA. Down by 19 points in the third quarter with 3:10 to play, the Lady Cougars managed to keep their poise and claim victory.
A thrilled Taft College Head Basketball Coach Romeo Lagmay, Jr shared his thoughts, "This team is gutsy. More and more we are realizing our strengths and maximizing them. We focus on mindset above anything else. We approach the game attempting to play 40 minutes strong, and that's exactly what our team did today. The IQ is increasing, and we're having fun playing the game. I'm really happy for Yareli Gomez winning the game for us knocking down both her free throws. That was pure pressure, and she had the ice in her veins at that very moment."
Allan Hancock led all first three quarters of the game, but it was the fourth quarter where Taft mostly shined. Losing at half 34-47, the Black and Gold outscored the Lady Bulldogs 30-12 and escaped with a win the final seconds of the ball game. Losing two of only three losses of the season, the game always came down to the fourth quarter where the victory could have gone to either side, and Taft would be on the losing end. Tonight was different, Taft would continue to fight on, and it finally went their way.
As the Cougars chipped away by pressing and making key shots, they found themselves tied in the fourth quarter with a few minutes left. In the last 30 seconds, the atmospheric pressure would be based on composure with both teams exchanging crucial made baskets and defensive stops. Taft up 83-80 with 8 seconds left, they would need one defensive stop with Allan Hancock having possession on the baseline out of bounds. With a missed assignment, Taft would fail to see a player wide open in the corner on the 3-point line. Late to defend, Taft would rush out and foul the 3-point shooter, as the Lady Bulldog would make the shot, and convert it to a 4-point play after making the free throw. Allan Hancock would lead 84-83.
Coach Lagmay would call a timeout and advance the ball to the 28-foot line to set up a play with 6 seconds left. The play began, and not executed as designed. Taft had another chance at it, but this time it was on the baseline with :008 seconds remaining on the clock. Coach Lagmay would again draw up a special play. "The play is designed for a tall or athletic player who can jump, and we had neither on the floor. I put my trust in Yareli and wanted the ball in her hands," said Coach Lagmay. Yareli would catch the ball and shoot it as fast as she can, and low and behold, she got fouled on the arm, and is now at the free throw line with :004 seconds left.
Yareli wipes the sweat off her clammy hands, takes her deep breath. "I never ever was put in this position, and I was nervous. I heard chants of booing, but I focused on remaining calm," says Gomez. Yareli steps to the line and makes the first. The game is tied 84-84. Coach Lagmay comments, "At this point, it gets a bit nerve-wrecking. Yareli is not a good free throw shooter, but it is what it is. This game is full of surprises, and in the end all I can do is have faith in our players, our team. I tell Yareli to focus on the first shot only. She makes that at least we go into overtime. She made it, and then I tell her, 'Let's go home baby.' She sinks it."
Allan Hancock calls a timeout to advance the ball with :002 seconds left. After a failed attempt, Taft would win the ball game improving their record to 8-3.
Taft plays again in the Allan Hancock Crossover Tournament, facing off against Los Angeles Trade Technical College on Saturday, December 9 at 1:00 pm. Taft defeated Trade Tech earlier in the season 72-59.