TAFT, CA – A total of 24 turnovers for Taft College converted into 25 points for Reedley College were the key factors that led Reedley to defeat the Taft College Women's Basketball team 75-60.
Reedley also scored 26 transition points, while Taft only had 4. The Tigers had 18 team assists, 16 deflections, and 36 points in the paint. Sisters Taylor Sutherland and Tiana Sutherland combined for 42 points, scoring 22 and 20 respectively. Karisma Truong scored 12 points nailing her only four 3-pointers in the game in the 4th quarter to pretty much seal the victory for the visiting Tigers.
Playing only seven players, the Cougars would keep the game tied at halftime 30-30. However, with so many turnovers and some players visibly winded, Taft would succumb to their opponents falling to a 2-3 record and 4th place standing in conference play. Taft did have chances to capitalize on scoring in the 4th quarter having bonus fouls in their favor with over 6 minutes of play. The Cougars shot 9-21 from the foul line resulting in 43%.
Cougars Head Basketball Coach Romeo Lagmay, Jr. expressed his concerns, "I was actually fine with the way we have been playing with limited personnel. It's the way and how we turn the ball over so much with passes that are bad, and other teams score on us because of it. We limit those bad passes; we win the ball games. However, I still appreciate this team really playing hard and giving it all they can to try and win the ball game. The fight still remains in us, and I am fully comfortable when we have all our personnel, we win. Our Cougar fans are amazing, and we were glad to see our amazing Taft College Bookstore be recognized for their outstanding support."
Ella Waufle and Alyah Blackwater led the team with 14 points apiece. Waufle added 4 rebounds and 2 steals. Blackwater had 5 rebounds and 3 assists, scoring 2 of 6 three-pointers. Kahree Horton would pump in 10 points, making 2 of 6 three-point shots as well. Alesha Gordon chipped in with 6 points and 3 assists, while having a game high of 16 rebounds.
Taft will be on the road next week on Wednesday, January 29 to play Lemoore College to finish off the first round of conference action.