SCC Makes Return to NAIA Tournament a Happy One

Southern California College pulled off the upset of the day Wednesday, beating fifth-seeded Lipscomb, 71-66, in the first round of the NAIA Division I women’s basketball tournament.

SCC Coach Russ Davis called it the greatest victory in school history. The Vanguards (26-8) will play again at 12:15 p.m. (PST) Friday against the winner of today’s game between The Master’s, and 12th-seeded Oklahoma Baptist.

“We’ve had a target on our chest all season,” Davis said. “We’ve been chased all year because we’re the returning Golden State Athletic Conference champion, so it’s nice to be the underdog for a change.”

This is SCC’s second consecutive trip to the NAIA tournament. The Vanguards lost in the first round last year.

“We said we got our feet wet last time and we were coming back to go swimming,” Davis said. “We’re going to go find a swimming pool somewhere right now.”

SCC shot only 38% from the field but connected on 12 of 28 from three-point range. Senior point guard Amee Pina made five of eight three-point attempts and finished with 17 points. Kristi Wright made 14 of 15 free throws and scored 25 points.

The Vanguards led at halftime, 39-30, thanks to six three-point baskets in a row, four by Pina.

“Last year, we didn’t shoot the ball well,” Pina said. “I was afraid it might be the same this year because the rims here are a little different than in regular gyms. Last year’s experience made us want to come back. And this year, we want it more.

“We’ll be happy with going as far as we can go in this tournament. As long as we give it our all and don’t beat ourselves, we can live with it.”

The Vanguards, who were 21 of 27 from the free-throw line, made nine of 10 in the final 1 minute 2 seconds. Wright made all eight of her attempts during the stretch. Lipscomb, of Nashville, connected on 20 of 31 free throws.

All-American Rachel Stark led Lipscomb with 22 points. The Bisons shot 31% from the field and outrebounded SCC, 49-36.