Another Setback For PCC Women’s Basketball, Now 9-10

After 10 straight trips to the postseason, the Pasadena City College women’s basketball team is facing its most uphill challenge in 2011-2012. The visiting Lancers once again dropped below the .500 mark in South Coast Conference play at 3-4 as they faltered against state No. 6-ranked East Los Angeles College, 78-70, Friday night.

The Lancers (9-10 overall) dug a deep hole early in the game, falling behind 27-9. Although PCC cut it to 38-31 by halftime, the team did not threaten in the second half. ELAC improved to 15-4 overall and 5-2 in conference play.

Sophomore forward Marquetta Stokes led Pasadena with 18 points and frosh guard Stella Ghazarian added 17 points (five 3-point baskets). Transfer point guard Tiffany Thompson hit 11-for-14 from the free throw line as part of her 13 points (plus six assists). Sopomore forward Destinee Sellers chipped in 10 points and nine rebounds.

For ELAC, Keyanna Johnson, the twin sister of PCC assistant coach and 2009 state tournament MVP Kinyada Johnson, led all scorers with 27 points. She was 8-for-8 from the line and added seven steals, five assists and five rebounds.

Two things that continue to plague the Lancers hurt them v. the Huskies. PCC made 29 turnovers and shot under 50 percent from the line in the first half (11-for-23). Although the Lancers finished 28 of 45 from the free throw stripe, ELAC was better, making 25 of 34 attempts overall.

PCC hosts LA Southwest College Wednesday, Jan. 18 in a 5 p.m. conference game at Hutto-Patterson Gymnasium.