SCC’s Quest for National Title Ends

Southern California College’s quest for an NAIA national women’s basketball championship ended Friday with a 94-80 loss to Oklahoma Baptist.

The Vanguards (27-9), who lost in the first round in their tournament debut last season, found Oklahoma Baptist’s balance too much to handle. The Bison (20-10), seeded No. 12, advance to tonight’s quarterfinals for the third consecutive season.

Oklahoma Baptist led, 38-36, at halftime and used a 13-4 run to take its biggest lead at 77-60 with 6 minutes 42 seconds remaining. The Vanguards narrowed the margin to nine points with four minutes left to play, but that’s as close as they got.

Five players scored in double figures for Oklahoma Baptist, which shot 57% for the game, 63% in the second half. The Bison made 11 of 24 three-point attempts.

“We had trouble guarding them,” SCC Coach Russ Davis said, “and we didn’t shoot well inside today.”

SCC shot 49.2% from the field, 55.2% in the second half.

The Vanguards were led by Alana Kempton’s 20 points. She was four for five from three-point range. Kelly Boeke added 19 points and seven rebounds. The Vanguards outrebounded the Bison, 35-29.

“We did a better job of getting the ball inside in the second half,” Oklahoma Baptist Coach Scott Norris said. “We wound up getting a lot of easy shots.”

Amy Nichols led the Bison with 18 points and seven assists. She made four of five three-point attempts. Kristi Turley added 17 points and five rebounds.

SCC’s four senior starters never lost a home game, won back-to-back Golden State Athletic Conference championships for the first time and reached the nationals twice.

“They were 56-15 the last two seasons,” Davis said. “They had a pretty remarkable run.”