Nakamura Drains 6 Treys as Women’s Hoops Beat LASW

One of the things missing from last season’s Pasadena City College women’s basketball team was reliable 3-point shooting. This year, the Lancers have found their bomber in freshman guard Kyrstin Nakamura. The Mark Keppel High product drained six 3-pointers as part of her game-high 20 points in helping PCC defeat Los Angeles Southwest College, 77-49, Wednesday night at Hutto-Patterson Gymnasium.

The non-conference victory lifted the Lancers to a 12-6 overall record. The Cougars dropped to 4-12 despite 16 points and 18 rebounds by Amber Blockmon.

Nakamura did most of her damage in the first half as she hit five 3s as PCC jumped out to a 41-24 halftime lead. She finished 6-for-10 from beyond the circle. PCC made 50 percent of their long-range shots overall at 8-for-16.

Frosh forward Regerina Baker reached her 10th double-double of the season and fifth straight game reaching the feat on 15 points and 11 rebounds (plus four steals). She was 7-for-11 from the field.

Freshman point guard Judith Espinoza added to her state lead in assists as she scored 13 points, dished out eight helpers, and grabbed six rebounds. She was 6-for-6 from the free throw line as she raised her percentage to 77.4. Espinoza is ninth in the state in overall free throws made at 82 (106 attempts).

Sophomore guard Emily Thach added nine points and four rebounds while reserve guard Hope Peron also scored nine points. PCC forward Gwenaelle Goulouba, an international student from France, saw her first action of the season and scored five points with three rebounds. Forward Tiyana Watkins added four points and four rebounds.

PCC, rated No. 18 in the most recent state poll, hosts No. 1 Mt. San Antonio College on Friday, Jan. 16 in a 5 p.m. South Coast Conference North Division game.