SRJC 70, City College of San Francisco 62

             The next opponent in the winners bracket of the Golden Gate Classic for the #4 in the North Bear Cubs (9-1) were the host Rams (8-3), who were ranked #5 in the North. Lanie Lincoln's 15-footer off a crosscourt pass from Ciarah Michalik got the Bear Cubs on the scoreboard first 18 seconds into the game. The Rams scored seven unanswered points before Michalik's 3-pointer at the 6:25 mark. The Rams made two field goals, and then Lucca Lowenberg hit a 3-pointer with 3:42 left. Talo Li-Uperesa tallied her seventh point of the period 24 seconds later. The Bear Cubs made their next four shots in a row—Rose Nevin's 3-footer, Lucca Lowenberg's fast break layup after catching the long pass from Michalik, Sheriene Arikat's 15-footer, and Lowenberg's 3-pointer. On their side of the court the Rams made two field goals. Li-Uperesa was fouled on a shot with one second left and made both free throws to put her team ahead 19-17 by the end of the period.

            Ciarah Michalik was fouled on a 3-point attempt and made just the third free throw 47 seconds into the second quarter. With 7:53 on the clock, Michalik was called for a non-shooting foul. The official heard her complain inappropriately and assessed her with a technical foul. Li-Uperesa shot the two free throws and made just the second one. Lucca Lowenberg swished two 3-pointers in a row, the second one on a baseline inbounds play and assist from Lanie Lincoln. The Rams added a single free throw at the 5:59 mark, making the Bear Cubs' lead 24-21. Amira Lama's 3-pointer tied the score 59 seconds later. Lowenberg broke the tie with her fourth 3-pointer of the game. Li-Uperesa sank a field goal, and then Lanie Lincoln swished a 3-pointer from four feet beyond the arc. Lowenberg's fifth 3-pointer with 1:40 left put the Bear Cubs ahead 33-26. Post player Teuila Tuiasosopo scored inside over defenders and followed with a 3-point play the next time down to close the gap to 31-33. Lowenberg scored the last two points of the quarter on an 8-foot floater to give the Bear Cubs a 35-31 lead at the end of the first half.

            Lucca Lowenberg swished another 3-pointer to start the scoring after 80 seconds of third quarter play. Lama made the Rams' first two points at the 7:02 mark. Nine seconds later Ashleigh Barr hit an 8-footer off of Lanie Lincoln's assist, and then Lama sank a 3-pointer. After Ciarah Michalik scored on a drive, Li-Uperesa made a 2-pointer with 3:44 left. Rose Nevin banked in a layup off of Sheriene Arikat's assist, and Lowenberg sank her seventh 3-pointer for a 47-38 lead with 2:54 on the clock. The Rams outscored the Bear Cubs 5-2 during the remainder of the period, as Nevin and Lowenberg each made one of two free throws. By the end of the quarter, the Bear Cubs were in front 49-43.

            Lanie Lincoln took the first shot of the fourth quarter off an assist from Taylor Iacopi and swished the 3-pointer. Li-Uperesa made a 2-pointer 23 seconds later. The Bear Cubs scored the next six points on one 3-pointer each by Taylor Iacopi and Ciarah Michalik to extend the lead to 58-45 at the 7:08 mark. The Rams tallied six unanswered points on three field goals before Michalik scored on a baseline inbounds play and about a minute after that drained a 3-pointer, making the Bear Cubs' lead 63-51. Tausala Church hit a 3-pointer from the right side baseline 17 seconds later. Michalik was fouled on a drive and made both free throws. With 59 seconds left Rianna Lee scored a field goal. Lucca Lowenberg was fouled 11 seconds after that and made just the first free throw. Lama drew a shooting foul with 34 seconds to go and made just the second free throw. Three seconds later Lama intercepted a pass on the Rams' full court press and made the layup. The Bear Cubs called a timeout and advanced the ball to the front court near sideline. When play resumed, Ciarah Michalik cut back door on the far side of the key, caught Lanie Lincoln's crosscourt inbounds pass, and scored the layup. Amelia Sinclair swished a 3-pointer with 8 seconds remaining. The Bear Cubs inbounded the ball and Lowenberg was fouled. She made both free throws. The Rams had one last chance on offense but could not score. The Bear Cubs' 70-64 win advances them to the Championship game against College of the Sequoias, who defeated Skyline College 73-51.

            This game was closely contested throughout. The Rams made 25 baskets to the Bear Cubs' 24. But 14 of those 24 were 3-pointers. In fact the Bear Cubs shot better from 3-point land (14 out of 23 for 61%) than from inside the arc (10 out of 36 for 28%). The Rams made 6 3-pointers. Talo Li-Uperesa led the Rams in scoring with 22 points, and Amira Lama added 13.

            Lucca Lowenberg scored a season-high 29 points, including 7 3-pointers out of 12 attempts (58%). Ciarah Michalik made 3 3-pointers and totaled 18 points. Lanie Lincoln also sank 3 3-pointers and a field goal for 11 points. Rose Nevin added 5 points, Taylor Iacopi 3, and Sheriene Arikat and Ashleigh Barr 2 each. Ashleigh Barr was the top rebounder with 11, and Meredith Gilbertson pulled down 8. Lanie Lincoln passed for a season