Comets eliminate Pirates from Coast Christmas Classic

COSTA MESA -- The Orange Coast College women's basketball team had a rough day at the office on Thursday, losing to visiting Palomar, 85-47 in the consolation semifinals of the 2013 Erin Tomlinson Coast Christmas Classic.

The loss eliminates the Pirates (8-5) from their tournament's final day for the first time in the history of the event. The win pushes the Comets (4-8) into the consolation finals against Southwestern on Friday at 3:30 p.m.

The Comets brought a ton of energy and life to the Peterson Gym floor and jumped all over the Pirates in the first half. Palomar led by as many as 30 in the first half (48-18) and led 49-21 at the break.

The Pirates never threatened the rest of the way as the Comets -- led by 17 points from Jessica Scott -- cruised to victory. Four other Comet players -- Dechae Evans (16 points), Bianca Littleton (15 points), Maureen Fegan (15 points) and Mikaela Stanton (13 points) contributed mightily to the Palomar offensive distribution.

For the Pirates, Jasmine Matar led the way with 11 points, while Maechelle Davis and Chanelle DiCroce each added 10.

In other Coast Christmas Classic action ... 

Southwestern 71, College of the Canyons 67 -- In a game were both teams drained eight 3-pointers, it was the Jaguars (6-3) who pushed ahead of the Cougars (5-7) down the stretch to earn a trip to the consolation finals. Alexis Harris had 16 points to lead SWC, while Gabby Robledo added 12 points and Cardedra Evans chipped in 11. For the Cougars, Shawn Kolani nailed five 3-pointers on the way to 17 points, but it was Kee Kee Mathews' 19 points and 10 rebounds that led the way for COC.

Irvine Valley 56, Saddleback 43 -- A close matchup between two Orange Empire Conference rivals loosened up in favor of the Lasers in the second half as IVC earned a trip to the tournament's title game. Alexis Casillas dominated the paint and scored 15 points and grabbed 16 rebounds to lead the Lasers (9-4) past the Gauchos (9-5). Kiara King added 15 points and grabbed nine boards, while Taylor Casey chipped in 14 points. For the Gauchos, Shannon Abdulla had 17 points, while Whitney Braeutigam added 10.

Chaffey 91, Cuesta 61 -- The Panthers (11-3) dominated the previously-unbeaten Cougars (12-1) to set up a tourney title showdown with Irvine Valley. The Panther defense held Cuesta to under 30 percent shooting for the night and forced 24 turnovers. Five different players reached double figures in scoring, including Mary Windom (16), Shannon Moore (15), Dominique Worthy (15), Cierra Miles (12) and Kahla Badibanga (10). Miriam Zabinsky led the Cougars with 12 points and 12 rebounds.

FRIDAY'S SCHEDULE

Consolation Final -- Southwestern vs. Palomar, 3:30 p.m.

Third-Place Game -- Saddleback vs. Cuesta, 5:30 p.m.

Championship -- Irvine Valley vs. Chaffey, 7:30 p.m.