(Tucson, AZ) The Pima Community College women’s basketball team (24-7) grinded out a victory in the NJCAA Region I, Division II semifinals on Wednesday against South Mountain Community College (12-15).
The No. 2 seeded Aztecs outscored the No. 3 Cougars 14-7 in the final 6:13 of the game and won 77-65 to advance to the Region I, Division II finals for the 11th time in 12 years.
The Aztecs fell behind 10-0 to start off the game but only trailed 25-23 after the quarter. They scored the first four points of the second quarter to take their first lead at 27-25 but the Cougars grabbed a 36-33 advantage at the break.
The two teams continued to trade the lead in the third quarter but the Aztecs gained a little momentum scoring the final three points of the quarter to reclaim the lead at 55-53.
The game featured nine lead changes and six ties.
Freshman Sierra Mich’l proved to be a difference maker inside the paint in the second half. After being held scoreless in the first half, she finished with 17 points, nine rebounds (six offensive) and four blocks.
Sophomore Hallie Lawson (Campo Verde HS) scored a team-high 18 points after going 8 for 12 from the field to go along with eight rebounds.
Fama Thiam (Highland HS) had 11 points, six rebounds and two assists while sophomore Marlena Arroyo-Plata (Campo Verde HS) produced a double-double of 10 points and 13 rebounds. She went 5 for 8 from the field. Sophomore Alyssa Perez added 10 points and seven rebounds.
The Aztecs will play at No. 1 seeded Mesa Community College on Saturday in the Region I, Division II finals. This will be the 11th time in 12 years these teams have faced off in the finals. The home team has claimed victory in each meeting. Tipoff will be at 7:00 p.m.
SMCC 25 11 17 12 65
PCC 23 10 22 22 77
Press Release courtesy of Pima Athletics
