(Phoenix, AZ) The Pima Community College women’s basketball team (6-2, 3-0 in ACCAC) earned an ACCAC conference win on the road on Wednesday at Phoenix College (4-5, 1-2).
The No. 8 ranked Aztecs defeated Phoenix College 71-51. The win gave Pima women’s basketball coach Todd Holthaus his 300th career win at Pima.
Down 19-16 after the first quarter, the Aztecs responded in the second by outscoring the Bears 18-6 to take a 34-25 lead at the break.
“We started off slow, playing a little fast and undisciplined,” Holthaus said. “We told them to stick to the game plan, play to our strengths and we’d eventually wear them out. Our strength is in the paint, getting the boards and to foul line is where we are most effective.”
Sophomore Nikya Orange (Tanque Verde HS) finished with a double-double of 19 points going 9 for 13 from the field along with 16 rebounds. Fellow sophomore Melissa Simmons finished with 12 points.
Freshman Angel Addleman (Pal Verde HS) finished the game with seven points, nine rebounds and five assists while freshmen Luisayde Chavez (Rio Rico HS) and Torrance Begay (Page HS) each had six points and eight rebounds.
“I’m happy we’re 6-2 but I feel we have a lot more to give and lot more growing to do,” Holthaus said. “We’re pretty good but haven’t tapped into what we can be. We need to make sure the freshmen don’t have mental lapses. Being ranked No. 8 is a great place to be but we can be even better.”
The Aztecs finished with 58 rebounds and 20 assists.
Holthaus met up with women’s basketball alumni Tia Morrison (Copper Canyon HS), Deana Bledsoe (Copper Canyon HS), Gabby Banales (Cienega HS), Taylor Blue (Peoria HS), Felicia Foster (Peoria HS) and Shalise Fernander (Flowing Wells HS) after the game.
“The most striking thing (about 300 wins) is that it goes so fast. When I see those kids at games, they’ve got professional careers,” Holthaus said. “I love watching young people succeed. Seeing them at the game, it means I meant something to them and they came to see the team play. That’s kinda cool.”
The Aztecs are off until next week and return to play at Glendale Community College on Wednesday, December 1. Game time is set for 5:30 p.m.
Pima 16 18 14 23 71
Phoenix 19 6 12 14 51
Press Release courtesy of Pima Athletics – Raymond Suarez
