Wasserman Finds Shot for Canyons

Stephanie Wasserman scored 23 points, including five three-point baskets, to lead the College of the Canyons women’s basketball team to a 95-69 victory over Moorpark in the second round of the Southern California Regional playoffs on Wednesday night at College of the Canyons.

“I’ve been shooting well in practice all week,” said Wasserman, who was also six of six from the free-throw line. “And my confidence carried over into tonight’s game.”

Wendy Gussner added 20 points and six assists for the fifth-seeded Cougars (27-7), including four three-pointers.

“Our perimeter shooting surprised them,” Canyons Coach Greg Herrick said. “We’re not known for that.”

Maxine Unverferth and Zevette Mitchell each added 12 points for Canyons, which won its 13th consecutive game. The Cougars were awarded a first-round bye after finishing undefeated in the Western State Conference South Division for the second consecutive year.

Gohar Tumanian fouled out with 5:11 remaining, but scored 10 points for Canyons, including a three-pointer from halfcourt at the buzzer that gave the Cougars a 50-25 halftime lead.

“Everyone talks about our offense,” said Herrick, whose team averages 90 points. “But I thought our defense was the difference tonight. We held a good team to 25 points in the first half.”

Alofa Tuimoloau and Rachel Rough each scored 15 points for the 12th-seeded Raiders (21-11), who never led. Melissa Shoden, who scored 18 points for Moorpark in a Jan. 8 WSC interdivision loss to Canyons, was held to seven points, five of which were scored in the first half.

Tuimoloau scored six consecutive points in the midst of a 10-0 Moorpark run that cut Canyons’ lead to 78-59 with 3:50 remaining. But Laura Tweedy, who finished with nine points and nine rebounds, answered with consecutive layups for the Cougars.

Nine players scored for Canyons, which emptied its bench in the final five minutes.

Canyons, No. 8 in the state, used a 14-0 run to take a 47-22 lead with 57 seconds left in the first half.

The Cougars will meet fourth-seeded Orange Coast in the third round Saturday at Orange Coast.