In an energetic home opener filled with game changing swings and defensive pressure the Los Medanos College women’s basketball team fell 76-63 in their Nov. 13 game. Despite the loss, the Mustangs walked away motivated by their communication, and growth not only held in this game but for the rest of the season.
The Mustangs’ head Mario Pharr said the effort especially in the final minutes was special.
“I loved that they kept fighting,” the Pharr said. “That’s maturity, that’s growth. That’s what we want to see.”
The game opened at a fast pace. LMC forced early turnovers off weak passes and dominated the offensive paint, but foul trouble cost them as the Mustangs gave up multiple points at the line. Their aggression kept them close early, but it also put them in danger of falling behind.
In the second quarter, the Mustangs settled in. The perfect ball movement created open three-pointers, and the offense was warming up now. The fast, pressuring defense helped control the tempo, though fouls continued to give the extra opportunities.
A top off of the key triple pass to Eve Monzon definitely their strongest plays with ball movement getting it to their shooter. A few plays later, Monzon splits the defense with a smooth euro-step finish which fires up the home crowd. The following play is a defensive stop into a cross court pass to the same shooter, Monzon hits another deep three, giving LMC some good hope and something to look forward to heading into halftime, though they still trailed 36–21.
Sukie Ahluwalia said the team played with heart and these small hiccups will be resolved.
“It was good and bad,” she said. “It was just the little things—communication, boxing out, taking away their flashes. Their point guard got too many rebounds. But we can fix all of that.”
LMC brought out its strongest push in the third quarter. The Mustangs slowed their pace and executed well in their transitions, highlighted by a loud slammed block from No. 13 that quickly turned into transition points. Another steal led to a fast break layup, breaking down that deficit and giving LMC needed energy.
Kendall McClure said the energy fueled the team.
“It was so nice,” she said. “My family was here, the football team was behind us, and it really felt like we were building a culture. The energy was amazing.”
A full court press forced turnovers and helped bring the game back within reach at times.
“Our defense really showed today,” Ahluwalia said. “When we communicate and rotate, everything gets easier. Our chemistry is what makes our defense work.”
The fourth quarter opened with both teams locked in defensively, going several minutes without a basket. The Mustangs’ defensive pressure stayed strong, but missing the perimeter shots which all in all prevented them from completing the comeback. A late block from No. 13 and a transition layup kept everyone in tune, but the deficit held firm in the final minutes.
Still, Pharr praised their refusal to quit.
“They could’ve let go, but they didn’t,” Pharr praised. “They kept fighting. That’s the kind of heart that shows we’re moving in the right direction.”
Despite the loss, the Mustangs walked away from the court with the vision of who they are becoming. With the crowd behind them and a focus on communication and the basics, LMC heads into the rest of the season with confidence that the pieces are all coming together.
