MSJC Comes Up Short in Battle With Pair of Top Three Foes

The MSJC women's basketball team took on top-ranked Mt. SAC and third ranked Orange Coast last week and came away with a pair of tough losses.

Tuesday the Eagles traveled to top-ranked and defending state champions Mt. SAC where the fourth quarter got away from them in a 75-54 loss. The Eagles trailed by just three at the half and ten heading into the fourth period, but cold shooting down the stretch eliminated any come back effort. The Eagles made just 2 of 18 shots in the final 10 minutes allowing the Mounties to pull away. Karsen Marshall led the offense with 15 points she also had 5 rebounds. Kohen Marshall added 12 points and Kiara Williams had 11 points and 4 assists. Keslyn Henson and Trinity Skinner each added 8 points a piece in the loss.

Thursday MSJC welcomed the 2023 and 2024 state champion Orange Coast program to town and could not hold onto their halftime lead coming up on the short end of a 73-70 score against the Pirates. The Eagles built a lead of 40-33 at the break, but this time it was a rough third quarter that cost MSJC as Orange Coast out scored them 22-12 in the period to gain control of the contest. The team's played an even fourth, but the Eagles could not break through late to recapture the lead. Karsen Marshall again led the way with 20 points, Kohen Marshall had a double double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Williams nearly had a double double of her own as she ended the night with 19 points and 8 assists. Anisa Turner added 8 points and 5 boards.

The Eagles, who were ranked 13th in the state's preseason poll, dropped to 4-3 on the season with the two losses. The Eagles will take on another highly ranked team at home on Wednesday when they host #7 Palomar. Wednesday afternoon's game in San Jacinto is set to tip-off at 3 pm.