Panther women’s basketball, carried by defense thus far this season, showed offense potential Jan. 31 when the Panthers led a 10-point takedown against American River College for a final score of 63-53.
The Panthers committed a season high 15 team fouls in the first half. The team rode their strong offensive production though to a 13-point lead by halftime.
Strong Panther play on both ends of the floor continued in the second half. The Beavers, coming out much more aggressive after the intermission, drew within five points by the period’s seven-minute mark,
City College allowed American River to hang around for much of the second half. The Panthers tightened defense in the final 6:30 of play, giving up just five points.
The Panther’s collective effort on offense was the best of this season’s conference play. Guard Unique Woodson led the way with a season high 20 points, including four 3-pointers in the first half. Starters Brittney Harper, BeBe Williams, and Rayelle Ross broke double-digit scoring.
The Panthers hold the lowest Big 8 conference score average of just 53.9 points per game. At the same time, they also allow their Big 8 opponent the least points.
To make the Northern California Regional Tournament, the Panthers will likely have to win three of five remaining conference games. Panther head coach Devin Engebretsen hopes the team can ride its defensive prowess and improved offensive production to a playoff berth in the tournament.
“I feel if we can get in we can be a dangerous team,” said Engebretsen. “But we’ve got to get in.”
According to Woodson, the team intends to be in the tournament come March.
“That’s our goal and we plan on handling it,” said Woodson. “One game at a time.”
Find more Panther women’s basketball statistics at http://sccpanthers.losrios.edu/womensbasketball.htm.
