Canyons Comeback Attempt Cut Short vs. Palomar

COSTA MESA, Calif. – A 15-point halftime deficit was too much to overcome for the College of the Canyons women's basketball team, losing 89-82 to Palomar College on the second day of the Coast Christmas Classic Tournament held Dec. 19.

Both teams played solidly on the offensive end, but the Cougars needed a few more stops to close the gap.

COC shot the ball well, posting a 44.8 percent mark from the field, but allowed Palomar to shoot 50 percent.

Although the Cougars knocked down shots from the outside – shooting 43 percent from thee-point range – it was the "simpler" shots they couldn't hit. The Cougars shot just 56.5 percent from the free throw line.

Despite the loss, several Cougars turned in solid performances.

Guard Qimmah Russo scored a game-leading 24 points on an efficient 7-of-14 shooting night. She also added five assists and a steal in 33 minutes of action.

Forward Nayiri Aslanian added 14 points and eight rebounds. She also had a steal and a block.

Monica Friedl had another solid game, this time coming off the bench with 14 points and 10 rebounds.

The loss drops the Cougars' record to 7-4 on the season.

COC next plays Orange Coast College Saturday afternoon in the final day of the Coast Christmas Tournament.