Kolani Perfect Down The Stretch From Free Throw Line, Cougars Beat Santa Barbara

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. – College of the Canyons sophomore guard Shawn Kolani hit 6-of-s6 free throws in the final minute of regulation to slip past Santa Barbara City College 91-87 on Wednesday night at the Cougar Cage. With the victory, Canyons improves to 11-12 overall and 5-3 in Western State Conference, North Division, play, while Santa Barbara falls to 9-12 and 1-6 in conference.

After a back and forth second half, the Cougars and Vaqueros tied the score up at 75 with 4:17 left in the game. Santa Barbara forced Canyons to close the game out at the free line, connecting on 6-of-6 free throws in the final stages, while the SBCC shooters went cold.

Kolani had her sixth double-double of the season with her 19 points and 12 assists. Keiona Mathews led Canyons with a game-high 25 points and five steals. Freshman forward Ashley Oliver chipped in 10 points for her third game with double-digit points.

Canyons connected on 26-of-50 shots from the field, marking the first time this season that the Cougars have shot 50 percent or better in a game. Canyons notched 27 points from its bench, while hitting 34-of-40 free throws (85 percent) for the team's second best night from the charity stripe.

Canyons will have the week off, before preparing to travel to Moorpark College for a Feb. 12 game at 5 p.m.