The Dominguez Hills Toros women’s basketball team rallied late to win 63-61 over the Alaska Anchorage Seawolves in the second round of the NCAA tournament. With a 33-1 overall record, the Toros advanced to the Sweet 16.
“I knew it was going to be an up-tempo game. We knew there was going to be a good amount of turnovers from both teams because our styles are similar defensively,” said Dominguez head coach John Bonner. “We had a couple slip ups but I think in that fourth quarter, we were able to get back to who we were.”
Senior guard Asia Jordan led the Toros with 24 points and 10 rebounds. Seawolves senior forward Tori Hollingshead and junior guard Elaina Mack dished out 17 points each with Hollingsworth making 15 rebounds.
The Toros struck early by attacking the paint and pushing the tempo. Jordan made shots and free throws to help Dominguez Hills have an 11-4 lead with 6:51 left in the first quarter. In this phase, Dominguez was shooting at 58.33 percent from the field.
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The strong defense of the Toros held the Seawolves to 14 points in the first quarter. However, Alaska Anchorage found a 7-2 run midway through the second quarter. Dominguez remained up by the half 42-32.
Alaska Anchorage returned to the hardwood with an all-around attack that dissolved their deficit. The Seawolves went on a 10-point run; Mack hit a jumper to tie the game at 42 with 5:38 left in the third phase.
Offensive rebounding helped the Seawolves extend possessions. Alaska Anchorage ultimately had 19 offensive rebounds in the matchup. The Seawolves also double-teamed junior guard Nala Williams and forced several Toros players to make tough shots or turnovers.
“Sometimes when you see the other team get on a run you get in your head or your energy gets low,” Jordan said. “I think the bench has been telling us to keep our energy up, everyone in our sideline is letting us know keep good energy. “
Dominquez Hills was held to five points in the third quarter alone. Alaska Anchorage had a 49-47 advantage going into the fourth phase.
The Dominguez Hills defense then intensified. Despite fouling out, Toros senior guard Kya Pearson made defensive moves that helped Dominguez Hills win.
“[Pearson] just always sets the tone for us,” said Toros senior guard Devon Lewis. “She’s not really vocal with us but we know that she’s gonna come out and dominate on that end.”
Jordan, freshman guard Cristina Jones, and Lewis continued to execute as the clock wound down. Jones finished the contest with 15 points and seven rebounds. Lewis had two points and four assists.
The Toros shot at 40 percent against the Seawolves, scoring 42 points in the paint and 16 fast break points.
On Monday at 7:00P.M. the Toros will take on the Central Washington Wildcats in the Sweet 16.
