San Diego Mesa Loses to Santa Monica, 77-71

Gibran Bowden scored 12 of her game-high 25 points during a late second-half run to lead Santa Monica City College past San Diego Mesa, 77-71, in the semifinals of the Seventh Annual Mesa JC women’s basketball tournament at Mesa College Thursday night.

The Corsairs, ranked ninth in the state, trailed, 55-54, in the second half before Bowden took control and led them on a 16-4 run for a 70-59 lead. Valerie Vermeer added 20 points for Santa Monica. Mesa (7-5) was led by Jane Burns, who scored a career-high 20 points and Stephanie Smith, who added 19.

In the other semifinal, Mesa College of Arizona upset fifth-ranked American River College, 75-67. Mesa will meet Santa Monica tonight for the championship.