Clutch Second Half Leads Warriors Past Long Beach

TORRANCE, Calif. – El Camino College fired on all cylinders in the second half to score a crucial 59-51 South Coast Conference, South Division victory over Long Beach City College Wednesday night at the ECC North Gym.

The Warriors (15-6, 3-0) remained unbeaten in conference, downing the team that they shared the SCC, South Division title with last season. Kayla Bibb was outstanding for ECC, notching another double-double with 22 points and 11 rebounds. She also had three steals and one blocked shot.

Doylebonet Walker led the charge for the Vikings with 18 points on the night, the only Vikings player to tally double figures.

The Warriors outscored the Vikings 38-28 in the second half to overcome a sluggish first half in which they shot just 29.6 (8-for-27) from the field, leaving them trailing by two at the break. But the Warriors hung tough and never trailed by more than six points before making their move in the third quarter, outscoring the Vikings 19-13 in the period to take the lead.

They would lead by as much as 10 points in the fourth quarter and would hold on for the important victory to maintain control of first place in the division. The Warriors dominated the inside, outscoring the Vikings 36-16 in the paint and edged LBCC in the rebounding battle, 43-40.

The Warriors will be off Friday and return to action on Wednesday, Jan. 31 on the road at L.A. Harbor. Tipoff is set for 5 p.m.