SCC Holds On in Stretch to Beat Westmont, 71-69

Southern California College increased its winning streak to 4 games Tuesday night by beating Westmont College, 71-69, in a Golden State Athletic Conference game at SCC.

But it took a play by John Mounce with time running out to save the game for SCC.

The Vanguards (14-2 overall, 3-0 in conference play) led, 69-59, with 6 minutes left. SCC, out of team fouls, helped Westmont get back into the game as the Warriors made 6 free throws in a 3-minute stretch to cut the lead to, 69-65.

Noel Matthews’ layup with about a minute left cut the lead to 71-69.

With 1 minute left, SCC took a timeout, then waited until 9 seconds remained on the shot clock, but Jim Mansfield missed a layup. Westmont’s Chad Kammerer took the rebound with 17 seconds left. SCC’s Mounce knocked it to Phil Hill, who was fouled, but missed both free throws.

Westmont missed 4 shot attempts. With only 4 seconds left, Mounce scrambled on the floor for a loose ball and held on as time ran out.

“I don’t have as much shooting talent so I have to get some good steals and assists, that’s why the coach has me in there,” said Hill, who scored 16 points and had a game-high 6 steals and 6 assists.

“It was a pretty emotional game, after we started to get into it,” SCC Coach Bill Reynolds said. “We knew it would be a battle.”

Peter Partain led all scorers with 20 points for Westmont.