Cougars Fall in 65-58 Tourney Battle vs. Rio Hondo

By Jesse Muñoz/COC Sports Information Director

GLENDALE — LuLu Salloom poured in 24 points and pulled down 22 rebounds, but it wasn't enough as the Cougars dropped a 65-58 result to Rio Hondo College during day one of the annual Glendale College Holiday Crossover tourney. 

Canyons (5-4) was forced to play with a short bench and new combination in its starting lineup but still managed to establish a 28-23 halftime advantage over the Roadrunners (10-6). 

The two teams battled throughout the contest before Rio Hondo pulled ahead during a decisive fourth-quarter run.

Salloom was brilliant in recording her seventh straight game with double-digit rebound totals and second straight with 22. She currently leads the state at 17.6 boards per game. Her 24 points in the game also led all scorers. Salloom recorded four assists, six steals and was an efficient 10-of-11 from the foul line.

Hannah Toletino added a second punch for the Cougars with 18 points and five rebounds. April Tuason was next with eight points and Jasmine Washington added six points off the bench.

Canyons committed 21 turnovers in the game with seven coming in the fourth quarter. For the game, COC shot just under 32 percent and was 1-of-21 from three-point territory. Despite those numbers COC took a 46-45 lead into the start of the fourth quarter.

Rio Hondo had three starters finish in double figures and was led by Jiselle Cabrera's 17 points. The Roadrunners shot nearly 54 percent from the field in the fourth quarter to emerge victorious. 

Top Performers

• LuLu Salloom — 40 mins, 24 pts, 22 rebs, 4 assists, 6 steals, 7-of-15 shooting / 10-of-11 foul shots
• Hannah Tolentino — 40 mins, 18 pts, 5 rebs, assist, 3 steals, 9-of-18 shooting
• April Tuason — 38 mins, 8 pts, 4 rebs, 3 steals
• Jazmine Washington – 30 mins, 6 pts, 3 rebs, assist

Upcoming Schedule

The Cougars are back on the court Dec. 22 vs. Allan Hancock College during day two action of the Glendale College Crossover tournament. Tip is scheduled for 3 p.m.

Canyons will continue its busy holiday season schedule at the East L.A. College Okawa Classic tourney Dec. 28-30. COC opens the tourney vs. Orange Coast College at 6 p.m. on Dec. 28.

Stay up to date on all this season's action by following the College of the Canyons Athletic department on social media at @COCathletics on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.