Women's Basketball Bounces Back with Conference Win

The Panthers women's basketball team evened their conference record to 1-1 with a 61-47 victory over the San Bernardino Valley College Wolverines on Saturday, rebounding from their loss to Mt. San Jacinto College on Wednesday. 

The Panthers got off to a sluggish start, shooting a dismal 8-33 from the field in the first half and finding themselves down by three points at the half, 20-23. The team appeared flat-footed and at times slow to react to the ball, including late defensive rotation help. 

A trait of a good team is the ability to regroup, adjust, and implement coaching strategies. Whatever Head Coach Kendyl Rizea emphasized to the squad in the locker room at halftime worked. The Panthers came out of the locker room with more energy, shot an impressive 60% from the field (12-20) in the third quarter and established a four-point lead going into the final frame. This was a different team on the floor. The defense swarmed, boxing-out improved, and the players got into their offensive sets earlier. The Panthers continued to pull away, eventually beating the Wolverines 61-47. 

Sophomore Jada Cuellar once again had a standout performance, scoring 21 points, grabbing 7 rebounds, and adding 3 steals and 3 assists. Cuellar was unstoppable at times, especially during key moments in the second half. Coming off screen rolls, Cuellar would beat her defender off the dribble, allowing her to attack the basket for layups. Overall, the Panthers dominated in the paint, outscoring the Wolverines 34 to 16. 

Danielle Singley also turned in a solid performance, adding 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals. Fatimah Sani was clutch late in the game with 12 points, 5 rebounds, a steal, and a block. 

Freshman guard/forward Olivia Perlin was also outstanding and deserves a game ball. The Chino Hills High School alumna grabbed a team-high 16 rebounds, and her rebounds during key moments in the game was one of the reasons the Panthers are now 1-1 in the conference. 

The team will enjoy the holidays before returning to action on Thursday, January 2, to take on Fullerton College at 6:00 p.m. Fullerton College has gotten off to an impressive 12-2 start this season.