Pirates survive late run to top Lasers, 57-49

COSTA MESA -- It may not be a thing of beauty, but the Orange Coast College women's basketball team is getting the job done in the Orange Empire Conference.

The Pirates' latest "masterpiece" came on Wednesday night as they overcame a late charge by Irvine Valley to pull out a 57-49 win inside the Peterson Gym.

After starting behind, 22-10 with 8:21 left in the first half, Coast (14-9, 5-2 in conference) came to life on both sides of the ball. Over the next 15 minutes of play, OCC outscored the Lasers 28-3 to hold a 38-25 advantage with 13:47 remaining.

During that span, the Lasers (15-10, 4-4) went 0-for-13 and committed 12 turnovers, while Coast took control of the contest.

Chanelle DiCroce, who led Coast with 19 points, went 6-of-12 from the floor and drained four 3-pointers in the contest. Jasmine Matar added 15 points and four steals, while Raechelle Davis chipped in 11 points and 12 rebounds to go along with three blocks.

OCC's lead grew to as many as 14 (43-29) before the Lasers would chip away at the deficit over the next several minutes.

A layup by Taylor Casey with 1:51 left pulled IVC to within a bucket at 51-49, but the Pirates would not relinquish their advantage.

A basket by DiCroce and two made free throws by Davis, combined with a pair of missed 3-point shots by the Lasers pushed the lead back up to 55-49 and after another point-free possession by the Lasers, Dayanara Armenta wrapped up the game with two made free throws of her own.

Jasmine Kennon led the Lasers with 20 points and nine rebounds, while Casey added 13 points and nine boards.

The win, coupled with Cypress losing to Fullerton, 64-50, pushes the Pirates a half-game ahead of the Chargers into second place in the OEC, just one game behind first-place Saddleback.

Coast will return to action on Friday at Cypress, beginning at 5:30 p.m. OCC's next home game will be on Thursday, Feb. 13 for "Coaches vs. Cancer Night" against Santa Ana, also at 5:30 p.m.