Whittier, Calif. – The Mt. SAC Women's Basketball Team opened their South Coast Conference North Division campaign with a 74-51 victory over Rio Hondo on Wednesday, January 22. The win boosts the Mounties to a 17-4 overall record, while the Roadrunners fall to 9-12. Mt. SAC currently leads the conference standings, with Rio Hondo holding the fourth spot. Despite their impressive start to conference play and their impeccable record, the Mounties slid to No. 3 in the state rankings, trailing Orange Coast (17-3) and undefeated Sequoias (21-0).

HOW IT HAPPENED:

The Roadrunners started strong, with Alexia Valencia sinking a three-pointer and two free throws, followed by a jump shot from Jaden Hill-Massarotti to take an early 7-0 lead. The Mounties responded with a free throw by Alana Diaz and layups from Naomi Acuna, Taliyah McFerson, Elizabeth Udeze, and Ryann Riddle, ending the first quarter narrowly behind, 13-12.

The second quarter showcased a high-scoring battle between the teams' top performers. McFerson led the Mounties with 13 points, including five free throws, while Hill-Massarotti netted 11 points for the Roadrunners, highlighted by three three-pointers. Mt. SAC pulled ahead for a 39-29 lead at halftime.

The third quarter was tightly contested, with each team adding 14 points to the scoreboard, maintaining the Mounties' 10-point advantage. With ten minutes left on the clock, Mt. SAC ran away with the game, establishing their dominance and making it impossible for Rio Hondo to close the gap. Continuing her standout performance, McFerson contributed nine points, while Rio Hondo managed just eight points in the final quarter, allowing the Mounties to secure a dominant 23-point victory.

BY THE NUMBERS:

• Taliyah McFerson (Mt. SAC): Game-high 24 points, 8 rebounds, 6 steals
• Ryann Riddle (Mt. SAC): 12 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block  
• Alana Diaz (Mt. SAC): 10 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block
• Jaden Hill-Massarotti (Rio Hondo): Team-high 15 points, 3 steals, 3 blocks
• Alexia Valencia (Rio Hondo): 13 points, 6 steals
• Hesma Valdes (Rio Hondo): 8 points, 13 rebounds  

TEAM STATS:

• Shooting: Mt. SAC – 44.9% (31-69); Rio Hondo – 32.7% (16-49)
• Three-Point Shooting: Mt. SAC – 0% (0-7); Rio Hondo – 50.0% (7-14)
• Free Throw Shooting: Mt. SAC – 70.6% (12-17); Rio Hondo – 75.0% (12-16)
• Rebounds: Mt SAC – 46; Rio Hondo – 31
• Turnovers: Mt. SAC – 21; Rio Hondo – 28

UP NEXT:

The Mounties will face Pasadena City College (5-14) at home on Friday, January 24, at 5:00 PM. Fans are encouraged to come out and support the team!

STAY CONNECTED:

Follow Mt. SAC Women's Basketball on Twitter @MtSAC_WBKB or Instagram /mt.sacwbk/

Follow Mt. SAC Athletics on Twitter @MtSAC_athletics Instagram /mtsac_athletics/ or Facebook @Mountie.Athletics

For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.