Freshman forward Regina Romain (pictured) nailed five three-pointers on her way to a game-high 19 points to help lead the No. 8 state-ranked Long Beach City College women's basketball team to a 67-43 win over visiting East Los Angeles College on Wednesday night.
The South Coast Conference win was the Vikings' fourth straight and improved their record to 22-4 overall and 12-3 in conference play. Long Beach closes out the regular season on Friday (Feb 22) against Los Angeles Trade Tech College at 5 p.m.
The Vikings were able to overcome a rough night shooting (22 of 63) while their defense held East Los Angeles (15-11, 8-7 SCC) to just 11 of 66 from the field.
Leading 11-7 at the 11-minute mark, Long Beach surged on a 9-0 run. Sophomore Kaaron King had five of her eight points on the night during the run, and the Vikings jumped ahead 20-7 with 5:39 to go in the first.
Long Beach led 28-17 at the break and wasn't really able to put away the Huskies until late in the second. Stephanie Rodriguez sank a three-pointer to get East Los Angeles within eight points (45-37) with 6:56 to go. But the Vikings responded with a three-pointer by Romain, a breakway layup by freshman Shakeena Benton, and another three by Romain to put the game out of reach at 53-37 at the 5:14 mark.
LBCC followed that with a 12-3 run and outscored the Huskies 16-4 over the final four minutes of the contest.
Sophomore Talia Rayford posted her 16th double-double of the season with 10 points and 12 rebounds. King added 10 rebounds to go with her eight points while Benton had nine points and five assists.
Karina Ortiz led East Los Angeles with 12 points and nine rebounds.
Friday night's basketball doubleheader will take place during LBCC's Coaches vs. Cancer event at the Hall of Champions Gym.
Photo by John Fajardo
