Cougars Knock Off Two Big Programs On Way To Becoming Tournament Champions

VENTURA, Calif. - College of the Canyons played back-to-back games against the No. 1 team in the state, Mt. SAC, followed by a championship game against defending state champion Ventura College, and defeated both squads in rout to winning the Ventura College-Kiwanis Club Tournament of Champions.

In the opening game, the Cougars were matched up with Laney. With double-doubles from Dominique Turner, 14 points and 10 assists, and Jazzmyn Davis, 16 points and 16 rebounds, the Cougars survived a second-half comeback by Laney to defeat the Eagles, 78-74. Canyons was up by a 25-point margin at one point before Laney mounted a charge to get within three with under a minute to play. Turner's free throw sealed the win for the Cougars. Kelli Lewis added 16 points in the victory. 

Next up for COC, was the No. 1 team in the state, Mt. SAC. Turner turned in 20 points and 10 assists, and College of the Canyons defeated the state's top-ranked team, Mt. SAC, 75-67. After falling behind at the half, 36-32, COC responded down the stretch with the help of Davis' 16 points and outscored the Mounties, 43-31 to win the semi-final contest.

Following a emotional win over Mt. SAC, the Cougars defeated the defending state champion Ventura College 84-77 in overtime. The Cougars held a 22-point edge at one point but the Pirates shot 72 percent in the second half to tie the game in regulation, 73-73. Turner's seven points in the overtime period and some clutch foul shooting by her teammates, sparked the victory.

Turner was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player and Davis, who had 19 points, was selected to the all-tournament team.