Cold Shooting Hurts SCC in Loss to W. New Mexico

A cold-shooting first half doomed Southern California College in a 73-68 first-round loss to Western New Mexico in the Western New Mexico women’s basketball tournament Thursday night in Silver City, N.M.

The Vanguards hit only nine of 26 shots (34.6%) in the first 20 minutes while the Mustangs made 14 of 27 (51.9%). Western New Mexico (3-2) led, 35-23, at intermission.

Southern California College improved in the second half, making 17 of 32 shots (53.1%) and outscoring Western New Mexico, 45-38.

Forward Kristen Bevis led the Vanguards with 18 points, center Jamie Zitterkopf added 14 and guard Cindi Lyons 11. Mustangs’ center Laura Thomas had a game-high 22 points.

Southern California College (1-2) will face Tarleton (Tex.) State, a 75-64 loser to Mesa (Colo.) College, in a fifth-place semifinal game today.